Eric Blake

Obituary For Eric Blake

Mr. Eric Blake of Atlanta transitioned at his home with his beloved wife Mary and his family by his side. Funeral Service will be held October 19, 2024 12pm at Wheat Street Baptist Church (359 Auburn Avenue, NW Atlanta, Ga. 30312). Viewing Friday October 18, 2024 from 1pm to 6pm at Smith, Dennis-Smith Funeral Home, Chapel and Crematiion Services (3047 Campbellton Rd. SW, Atlanta, Ga. 30311). Interment Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Service will be livestream (scroll to the end of his obituary and select link 15 min prior to service).

His Life, His Legacy

…For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18

Eric DeBrady Blake, the loving son of the late Julius and Ethel Blake, was born in Roswell, New Mexico on July 7, 1948 and raised in a military environment (in several states) before moving to New Smyrna Beach, Florida. He attended schools in Roswell, New Mexico, Lake Charles, Louisiana, Oscoda, Michigan and New Smyrna Beach, Florida. While in high school, Eric participated in several sports, including basketball and football. After graduating from Chisholm High School in 1966, he matriculated at Daytona Community College, where he received an Associate Degree. In 1970, he completed his post-secondary studies at Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama earning a B. S. Degree in Industrial/Engineering Technology.

Eric’s work experience began in Chicago, Illinois with the Commonwealth Edison Power Company in December 1970. While at Commonwealth Edison, he was drafted by the United States Army to serve his country. In April 1973, he returned from the Army and started working for Southern Bell Telephone Company as an engineer in Daytona Beach, Florida.

In September 1975, Eric was transferred to South Central Bell in Jackson, Tennessee, and, in 1978, he returned to Southern Bell in Daytona Beach, Florida. After eight (8) years, he transferred to Southern Bell (Bell South—AT & T) in Atlanta, Georgia, where he worked until his retirement in June 2011 after thirty-eight (38) years of service.

Eric joined Allen Chapel AME Church in New Smyrna Beach, Florida at an early age. After meeting and marrying Mary Greene in 1985, he relocated to Atlanta, GA and united with the band of believers at Wheat Street Baptist Church and was baptized by Rev. Michael Neely Harris. He was an active member of the William Holmes Borders Usher Board, where he held several different offices, the Mighty Men of Wheat Street, Co-teacher of the Married Couples’ Sunday School Class, Youth Mentor, the Honeymooners Ministry and assisted in The Action Mission. He was a volunteer with AT&T Adopt-A-School/Adopt-A-Student Program and served his community as a captain of the Marion Woods Homeowners’ Association Neighborhood Watch team.

Eric received several recognitions and awards during his active life. They include several Southern Bell, Bell South and AT &T Service and Merit Awards, SARC 1st Place Tennis Award, Tennis Player All Season Award, Distinguished Alumni Award, Health Management Seminar Award and The Palm Street Boys Community Service Award.

Eric was a passionate sports enthusiast and an avid tennis player who enjoyed playing tennis (everyday-several times a day). Eric found joy on the courts, where he shared countless matches, laughter, and camaraderie with his cherished tennis buddies. The friendships formed through the game were a significant part of his life, and he will be deeply missed by those who he shared the courts with for many years. He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, kindness, and a love for the game that inspired everyone around him. He loved and cheered for his sports home teams. He also loved attending professional tennis matches, conducting health seminars, making biscuits and fellowshipping with family and friends.

Eric lived a blessed and rewarding life. On Sunday morning, October 6, he finished the last mile of his earthly journey in the arms of his wife and daughter, Erin as he crossed the threshold to the place Jesus prepared for him, heaven. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers-in-law, Larry Harris, SFC Charles Greene and Fred Greene. The legacy of his seasons of life is left to and will be cherished by his faithful and devoted wife, Mary; his beloved children: Lee Rochelle Blake (Tashlyn) of Tallahassee, FL, Erica Blake Payne (Micah) of Silver Springs, MD and Erin Blake of Atlanta, GA; five grandchildren: granddaughter; Jada Eva-Marie and grandsons; Ezekiel Marion-Samuel, Lee Kealamauloa, Maxwell Victor and Spencer Eric-Michael; Son-in-Love, James Alcine; sister, Patricia Harris; two sisters-in-law: Dr. Sarah Myers and Jo Ann Allen (Thomas); two brothers-in-law; Sgt. Major William Greene, Jr. (Juliette), and Calvin Greene; sister-in-law, Sylvia Greene. He is affectionately remembered by the Lee/Blake/Greene/Alcine family members, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.

…Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:14-18

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