W. S. Blakely

W.S. "Bill" Blakely, 75, went to be with Jesus and the rodeo in the sky with a Pepsi Cola in his hand on Thursday, March 26, 2009, after a lengthy illness. Bill, who was a veteran of the US Army serving with the 82nd Airborne, was a previous owner/operator of Rocky Top Campground and Bill Blakely Sanitation Services. He was also instrumental in helping his son become a successful realtor and businessman.

He enjoyed baseball, fishing, NASCAR, his dog "Taz", and ice-cold Pepsi Cola. He was a loving and caring father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be greatly missed.

Preceding Mr. Blakely in death were his parents, Jasper and Victoria Blakely, and his grandson, Larry Wayne Terrell.

Surviving are one son, William Lee Blakely and wife Megan of Mt. Carmel; three daughters, Deborah Richardson and husband Kendall of Newton, AL, Kathy Blakely of Atkins, VA, and Vicky Lawson of Kingsport; one sister, Eloise Heitz and husband John of Mt. Carmel; several grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; niece, Vicky Wallen and nephew, Johnny Lynn Heitz; very extra special best friends, B.G. Flynn, David Wallen, Jr. Ford, Amanda Crawford, and Debbie and Ed Teeple.

The family will receive friends anytime at the home of William Blakely. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2009, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. A eulogy will be given by William Blakely.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mr. Blakely's son to help defray the cost of funeral expenses.