October 9, 1927 ~ November 22, 2023 (age 96)
William Keith Blake, Sr. age 96 of Lake Waccamaw, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family.
A native of Chadbourn, Keith was born on October 9, 1927, son of the late James Robert Blake, Sr. and Sarah Ellen Estella Williams Blake.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 27, 2023, at Chadbourn Baptist Church, with burial to follow in the Chadbourn Memorial Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to the service on Monday, at the church.
Keith proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II and served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He graduated from Hardbarger Business School in 1949, and retired from Quality Ford in 1987, following 37 years of service.
Keith was a faithful member of Chadbourn Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, served on Building Committee for the Sanctuary, and he served as the Young Adult Sunday School Teacher. He loved serving on the properties committee, as he spent countless hours on the upkeep of the church. For many years, Keith recorded church services and delivered CDs and DVDS to the homebound. Keith also Volunteered in the Youth Training Union, sang in church quartet and church choir.
Keith served as a Volunteer at Chadbourn Elementary School, assisting with the reading program; In 1974, he worked to raise money for WCHS library.
Keith’s Hobbies included photography and videography for many weddings and family reunions. He was a host for the foreign exchange program, through SCC and the county exchange program.
Keith Served on the Chadbourn Centennial Committee, which conducted a celebration, as well as produced a Historic Architecture of Chadbourn Book in cooperation with UNCW. He worked with Habitat for Humanity, assisted with the Columbus Baptist Association trips to Honduras and West Virginia, worked with the Baptist Men’s Association of Ramp Builders, Baptist Men’s Hurricane Relief Crew, and he assisted with the Elderberries Club.
Keith received the ECA Volunteer non-member award, the Woodmen of World Award for Outstanding Citizen, and in 2001, he was awarded the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer.
He was a Scout leader for Troop 504 in Chadbourn of the Cape Fear Council, and he was a member of Klahican Lodge 331. Keith was recognized with the Vigil of Order of Arrow, and the Wood Bridge Badge Honor.
Keith leaves behind his sweetheart of 73 years, Elaine Noble Blake; son, William Keith Blake, Jr. of Chadbourn; daughter, Lisa Elaine Blake (William Grissett) of Chadbourn; a sister, Ann Blake Mitchell.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be addressed to Chadbourn Baptist Church- 504 N. Howard Street Chadbourn, NC or to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center- 206 Warrior Trail Whiteville, NC.
