Ellis Blake

Saltillo - Walter Ellis Blake, 84, died Tuesday, October 12, 2010, at his residence in Saltillo, after a lengthy illness. He was born July 4, 1926, in Oktibbeha County, to Walter and Donie Wright Blake. He worked 26 years for Miller Brother Dairys in West Point. He then worked for Babcock and Willcox Boiler Makers for 6 years, before becoming disabled. Hunting, gardening and spending time with his family and grandchildren were among his favorite things to do. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Saltillo and a former member of Calvary Baptist Church of West Point.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 14, 2010 at The Saltillo Chapel of W.E. Pegues with Rev. Andy Blake and Rev. Brett McGee officiating. Burial will be in Center Grove Cemetery near Starkville.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Marzell Clardy Blake of Saltillo; three sons, Gary Blake (Shawn) of Fulton, Larry Blake (Amy) of Blue Springs, Andy Blake (Lisa) of Gardendale, Alabama; two brothers Clifton Blake of Picayune and Joe Ray Blake (Minnie) of Ackerman; nine grandchildren, April Padgett (Greg), Stephen Blake, Jody Blake, Lorianna Kelly (Justin), Tori Blake, Drew Blake, Kara Blake, Eli Blake, and Halle Blake; three great-grandchildren, Grace Padgett, Madison Padgett, and Hunter Kelly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Merle Weeks, Loyce Watkins, Corrine Watkins and Alice Mae Hill; two brothers, William Blake and Carl Blake; several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Gary Blake, Larry Blake, Stephen Blake, Jody Blake, Drew Blake, and Greg Padgett.

Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 13, 2010, at the funeral home in Saltillo.

In lieu of flowers dontations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, First Bapsit Church Saltillo, 311 Mobile Street, Saltillo, MS 38866, or Calvary Baptist Church West Point, 460 McCord Street, West Point, MS 39773.

Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com