Mr. Richard Jaudon “Dickie” Blakely, Sr., 83, husband of Joyce Currier Blakely, passed away Friday, January 23, 2015, at Grand Strand Hospital, in Myrtle Beach.
Mr. Blakely was born March 18, 1931, in Lane, a son of the late Thomas A. Blakely, Sr. and Rheta Derrick Blakely. He was a graduate of Kingstree High School and attended University of Maryland. Mr. Dickie was a member of Lane Methodist Church, Kingstree Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Shriner, Moose Lodge and VFW.
Mr. Blakely retired in 1971 at the rank of Master Sergeant after 23 years from the U.S. Air Force and received numerous awards. In 1965, he was awarded The Certificate for the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge for performance and loyalty to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In 1968, he was awarded the D.O.D Joint Service Commendation Award for his service with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, DC. In 1971, he was awarded Medal for Meritorious Service with the Southern Command from 1968 to 1971.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Joyce C. Blakely, are: a daughter, Jane (Ricky) Burrows, of Kingstree; a son, Richard J. (Linda) Blakely, Jr., of Kingstree; a sister, Mary Florence Geddings, of James Island; grandchildren, Richard J. (Kim) Blakely III, Kristen B. (Jeremy) Gilchrist; great grandchildren, Richard J. Blakely IV and Elizabeth Gilchrist. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas A. Blakely, Jr.
Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Monday, January 26, 2015, in Williamsburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 6 to 8 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Lane United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 38, Lane, SC 29564 or Epworth Children’s Home, P.O. Box 50466, Columbia, SC 29250.