Richard Donald Blake, Sr.

Richard Donald Blake was born on August 20, 1937.  He departed this life and gained his heavenly wings on August 10, 2023, at the Talbot Hospice House in Easton, Maryland.  He was 85 years old.

Richard was the son of the late John and Lottie Blake.  As a Talbot County native, he received his education and graduated from Moton High school in 1955. 

After high school, Richard quickly went into the work force.  He held a variety of jobs that showcased his “jack-of-all-trades” talent.  He worked at a local bakery, for Anderson Lumber and even drilled wells on Solomons Island!

Richard was a loyal, hardworking man.  He rounded out his career working for The Maryland State Highway Administration (formerly known as State Highway) for over 27 years!  In addition to his full-time career, he was a dedicated yard caretaker who enjoyed cutting grass for many, many people over the years. 

Being the family man he was, Richard loved spending time with family and friends.  He was very well liked in the community and known for always making himself available to give people rides, providing sound advice and just being there for anyone, anytime, anywhere. To many, he was “Uncle Richard”!

A few of Richard’s hobbies were reading the Bible, watching television, fishing, and going for rides on the boat.  He was a master navigator that could get you just about anywhere by boat.  However, BASKETBALL was one of Richards greatest passions! He never missed attending basketball games at Easton High school.  So much so, He was recognized for his dedication, love, and support of the game. 

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lottie Blake, his loving wife, Helen Blake; brothers, John “Uncle Sing” Blake (Jeanette) and Robert “Uncle Son” Blake (Alice); Sister’s Hilda “Fustaboots” Wilson, Lillian Sherwood and Bessie Blake (Ed).

Later in life, Richard acknowledged extended family, James Ockimey (Marquetta) who also preceded him in death; brothers Robert Ockimey (Margaret), George Ockimey (Leona), Rodney Ockimey (Delores); Deceased sister Juanita Smith (John); Elsie Bush (Harold), Doris Herndon (William), and Clara Herndon (Russell).

Richard leaves his children to cherish his memory; Richard “Ricky” Blake, Marvin Blake, his only daughter, Portia Blake, Kevin Blake (Lynn), Ronald Blake (Lynnette), Eric Blake, and special sons Jerome Skinner and Otis Wilson.  In addition, two ladies he took under his wing as daughters, Nayreen Johnson and Rosetta Brown, grandchildren: Lynette Webb, Richard Blake III, Gregory Webb, Tevin Blake, Joan Blake, Jennifer Mosby (Michael), Kevin Scott (Saundra), Ronald Blake Jr. (RJ), Daquan Blake, Eric Blake Jr., Braxton Blake and many well-loved great grandchildren. 

Richard also leaves fond memories with his brother-in-law, Percy Bantum, who Richard helped raise from a young age. They remained very close until his passing, his nephew, Vernon Wilson who always went with him on fishing trips, his nephew, John “Bobby” Blake, who was really like a son to him. They attended basketball games together and Bobby talked with and visited him daily and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Donald Blake, Sr., please visit our floral store.