Mr. Jack Alexis Blakely, 79, of the Red Hill Community, passed away peacefully at his residence on Monday, August 12, 2024. He was born May 18, 1945, in Grenada to Shed Hill and Lena Belle Collins Blakely. Jack spent a lifetime in service to his country. Jack honorably served in the Mississippi Army National Guard where he retired with 38 years of service as a Sergeant First Class. He also worked over 20 years as a technician at the UTES Shop at Camp McCain where he maintained armored track vehicles. Jack enjoyed crappie fishing, woodworking and spending time outdoors. Tending to his vegetable garden in the summertime was among his favorite things to do. Jack found great pleasure in sharing the fruits of his labor with his friends and neighbors. Jack was a gifted conversationalist and never met a stranger. While Jack’s relationship with Jesus was paramount to him, he will also long be remembered as a man deeply devoted to his family. He was a member of Elliott Baptist Church.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 16, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada with Dr. Cecil Fayard, the Rev. Michael Payton, and the Rev. Chris McElroy officiating. Interment with military honors followed in the Red Hill Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Phyllis Blakely; daughter, Chanda Blakely Reed (Phillip); son, Damon Blakely (Carrie); sisters, Mamie Fowler and Yvonna Threadgill; brother, Joe Max Blakely; grandchildren, Seth Reed, Riley Reed, Chloe Blakely, Beau Blakely and Kaleigh Reed; and one great-grandchild, Hattie Grace Reed.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents; son, Darian Alexis Blakely; sisters, Vivian Dickson and Virginia Rocha Thompson and a brother, Terrell Blakely.
Beau Blakely, Barry Clark, Cameron Dunn, Ricky Johnson, David Newton, Phillip Reed, Riley Reed and Seth Reed honored Jack by serving as pallbearers and carried him to rest in the Red Hill Cemetery. Jessie Allen, Jerone Funderburg, Bob Lott, Jerry McNeer, Charles Norris, Kenny Parker and Ricky Swanson served as honorary pallbearers.
Memorials may be directed to Elliott Baptist Church.
The family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to the Tallahatchie General Hospital Rehabilitation Unit and Nursing Home as well as the staff of Adoration Hospice of Grenada for the exceptional care provided to Jack and our family.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).
