Ollie L. Blake

Ollie, a Retired Raleigh Fire Department Captain, was born in Wake County on August 20, 1931 to the late Flintrell Laurel Blake and Lula Josephine Blake. Ollie was a loving husband, a role model as a Father to his seven sons, a man of great faith in his Lord and a friend to anyone he met. Captain Blake served in the Raleigh Fire Department for 30 years before retiring in 1983 at which time he worked full time as a residential painter. Mr. Blake also was a Veteran who served his country as a Corporal in the Army as a young man. Ollie was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church in Raleigh for over three decades.

Ollie was preceded in death by his beloved wives, Liz Bishop of Durham, Elizabeth Blake of Raleigh and Hilda Blake of Raleigh and three sons, Ollie Louis Blake Jr, Richard Emmett Blake and Tony Wayne Strickland. He is survived by his remaining four sons, Richard and Sharon Browning of Wake Forest, Keith Strickland of Hornell, NY, John and Elissa Blake of Kernersville and Craig and Sandy Strickland of Raleigh; brothers, Johnny and Jimmy Blake of Raleigh; and a sister, Sarah Champion of Raleigh. Ollie has 19 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Mr. Blake’s infectious smile and his willingness to help anyone in need will be missed by his many friends and family.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 3, 2013, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh NC 27612. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, April 4, 2013, at Trinity Baptist Church, 4815 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609. Burial will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27612.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Ollie can be made to Trinity Baptist Church or Hospice of Wake County.

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.MitchellatRMP.com

Arrangements under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park, Raleigh, NC