Danny Willis Blakley

Danny Willis Blakley, 78, of Kingsport, TN, passed away peacefully in his sleep with his sister by his side on Monday, July 23, 2018 after battling mesothelioma for over a year. He was born to the late Thomas and Stella Hite Blakley. He grew up, partially lived, and then died in the same Rock Springs community that he loved, thanks to his sister who cared for him in his last year and half of his life. He attended Rock Springs United Methodist Church. Danny was a 1959 graduate of Sullivan West High School. He was in the U.S. Army from 1959-1962, stationed in various places, but the longest at Hamburg, New York. Danny came out of the army and started working for Lab Glass of Kingsport. There he made lab glass that went to the moon, into space, and many other interesting, scientific uses all over the world. He was amazing at what he designed and did. Danny loved to be outdoors, with nature, and hiking, which is how he met his late wife, Sandra Driskell Blakley. He was a member of the Audobon Society, Sierra Club, and Piney Flats Ruritan.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ray Blakley and wife, Geredda; and five half brothers and sisters.

Those left to cherish his memory are his sister, Rebecca Blakley Sizemore; two step children by Sandra, Eric and Rejetta Driskell; nieces and nephews that he cherished, Tim Blakley, Brett Blakley (Sarah), Sherry Overbay (Casey), Tonya Johnson (Joe), and Tony Sizemore (Jennifer); great nieces and nephews, Katie Jo Metcalf (Brent), Jay Overbay (Kim), Doug Overbay, Marah Wood (Jordan), Evan Sizemore, Elissah, and Lydiah; great-great-nephew and nieces, Josiah, Abigail, Hannah Overbay and the newest of whom he was so happy and proud to meet, Haven Blakely Wood; and other half nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be given to the animal shelter of donor's choice.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport.

Services will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, 2018, with The Rev. William Lunsford and his nephew, Tony Sizemore officiating. Music will be provided by Jennifer Sizemore.

There will be no graveside services as it was Danny's wish to be cremated.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kevin Misischia and Dr. Koyamangalath Krishnan for the wonderful care they gave Danny and also Mountain States Hospice, Sycamore Shoals Hospital 3rd floor (respite care), and Visiting Angels for the wonderful help to the family in taking care of Danny in his last days.