of Maumelle, AR
September 23, 1929 - September 5, 2009
Merrill Max Blakley, 79, of Batesville died Saturday September 5, 2009 at Maumelle.
He was born September 23, 1929 at Holly, Colorado the son of John Franklin Blakley and Pearl Ruby (Kennett) Blakley.
He owned and operated a restaurant for many years. He founded and operated the Ozark Bean Company and was the maker of "Heavenly Candles". He was a greeter at Wal-Mart for seven years and enjoyed meeting people. He enjoyed spending time with family, and was a member of West Baptist Church in Batesville.
Survivors include his wife, Ruby Jean Blakley of Batesville; sons, Larry Blakley of Batesville and Mark Blakley of Saginaw, Michigan; daughters, Deborah Billings of San Antonio, Texas, Jodi Springer of Batesville and Tami James of Benton; sisters, Marie Culbertson of Napa, California and Doris Kent of Washington; seventeen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers and four sisters.
There will be a memorial service at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at West Baptist Church in Batesville officiated by Bro. Scotty Karber. The obituary will be read by Ken Billings. Music will be provided by Larry Blakley, Joelle Schahfer, Charity Bohannon, Jay Springer, Teresa McDonald and Mary Beth Milligan. The eulogy will be given by Mark Blakley, Debbie Billings, Chris Blakley and Kenny Billings.
Cremation services are by Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville.
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9 Condolence(s)
Diane Fore
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Dear Aunt Ruby and Cousins,
We are very sorry to hear about Uncles Merrill's passing. He was difinitley our favorite uncle. Scott and I have such fond memories of spending time with you guys (Disneyland of the North). You were such a comfort to Mom and both of us when Dad died. Would love to see you if come out here.
Love always,
Scott and Diane
June King Martin
Saturday, September 12, 2009
I was so surprised to see Uncle Merrill's obituary. He was just one of those people that you see going on forever. At least he is with the Lord he loved now.
I pray that God will be with the family, especially Ruby, and help them to cope.
Connie Starr
Thursday, September 10, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Mr. Merrill but the family members that I have known and worked with thoughout the years, are all very special people. May God continue to bless you all and give you strength in this time of sadness.
With Sympathy, Connie
Debbie Blazer-Simpkins
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Ruby and family, I was sad to read about the passing of Uncle Merrill. I have always thought of him as a kind man who loved the Lord. Last time I saw him I really enjoyed the conversations that we had discussing the family history. I am thankful for those conversations because I was not aware of so much of the information that he gave me. I will continue to pray for you and your family. God Bless you all, Debbie
Carol Banasco Timmons
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Ruby, Sounds like You have have a very nice family.. have thought about You and other friends of Ruths thru the years.. I do keep up with some of them. . My deepest sympathy to You and Your family..
Debbie, Jeff and Holden Phillips
Monday, September 7, 2009
Mr. Blakley was a very special man, I enjoyed visiting with him on breaks at Wal-Mart. God Bless you at this diffcult time.
mark lancaster
Monday, September 7, 2009
Dear Blakley Family
I know that this must be a time for both grief and joy because of the facts that we will miss brother Blakley but that he has gone home to the Lord .I always enjoyed meeting him on Sunday mornings at church .He was and is so proud of his family and I know that he wanted everyone to be
ready to meet the LORD .
Justin F burge
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Merrill was a very special person, Ruby , you and your family will continue in or prayers and thoughts. Justin and Betty Burge
Todd, Resa & Stephanie Bolin
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. May your memories help comfort you.
In Sympathy