Ervin J. Blakely, Sr.

Ervin J. Blakely, Sr., was born into this life on June 11, 1936 in Cale, Arkansas to Lemon and Lillie Mae Gulley Blakely.

Ervin worked hard as a pulpwood hauler for over 30 years. He enjoyed the simples please that life offered and made friends easily. He was a member of New Bethel AME Church in Rosston, Arkansas.

In his spare time, he enjoyed the company of his family and close friends. He loved to entertain, be entertained, and particularly loved watching his favorite bird, the purple martin. He enjoyed building bird houses, and just doing small odds and ends. He was fun loving and loved to dance.

 He surrendered his soul on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at Southern Pines in Prescott, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parent, one brother, Lee Vester Blakely and two sisters, Ruthaleen Brown and Katherine Williams. 

Though he is no longer with us in the body; his irreplaceable presence will be deeply missed by his children: Irvin (Gail) Blakely, Jr., of Prescott, AR, Dorrie (Randy) Purifoy of Prescott, AR, Gary (Billie) Blakley of Rosston, AR, Ronnie Dail Blakely of Grand Rapids, MI, Rhonda Gail (Robert) McCoy of Prescott, AR and Lisa Sherman of Rosston, AR; fourteen grandchildren, twenty-six grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He also leaves a special daughter-in-law, Gail Blakely and a host of nieces, nephews, other relative and friends.

 A service remembering his life will be shared at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2021 graveside at New Salem Cemetery in Rosston, Arkansas.