Roy Morris Blake of Nacogdoches passed away March 4, 2017, at his home at the age of 88 years, 11 months, and 4 days.
He was born March 29, 1928, in Nacogdoches, the youngest of six children of Lynn T. and Pattie Lee Hall Blake. He was a member of a pioneer East Texas family, being the great-grandson of Judge Bennett Blake whose footprints are stamped across the pages of Texas history.
Roy graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1945 and attended Texas A&M University one year before entering the U.S. Navy. He returned to Nacogdoches and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1950.
On June 28, 1949, he married Mae Deanne Goodwin of San Augustine. They had five children.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his five siblings; and wife, Mae Deanne Blake.
Survivors include his five children, Martha Muckleroy and husband Steve, Roy Blake, Jr. and wife Jocelyn, Kaki Nelson and husband Ricky, Ben Blake, and Mary Ann Beckendorf and husband Michael. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Ann Sheppard and husband Zac, Blake Chamness, Scott Muckleroy and wife Kathryn, Matt Muckleroy, Francis Blake, R.M. Blake, III, Catherine Blake, Austin Beckendorf and great-granddaughter Natalie Sheppard. He is also survived by his two sisters-in-law, Faye Blake and Nell Blake.
Mr. Blake was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Open Door Sunday School Class. His distinguished career in public service began early in 1951 as he completed his brother Bennett's term as District Clerk. He served on the Nacogdoches City Commission for three terms beginning in 1965. He was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1972 and served there until 1977, was elected to the Texas Senate in 1978, serving until 1989. While in the Senate, he served as chairman of the Senate Administration Committee and numerous other important committees. Senator Blake authored bills which would be important for many years. He was elected President Pro Tem of the Senate, and his Governor for a Day celebration was observed October 17, 1987.
In 1963 he established Roy Blake Insurance Agency. Previously he was a partner in Blake Middlebrook and Darby Insurance and participated in ownership and management of other business ventures.
Senator Blake's Civic service included serving as president of Nacogdoches Jr. Chamber of Commerce, Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, Piney Woods Country Club, Booster Club, and Region 16 Texas Municipal League. He served as a Director of Fredonia State Bank, Stephen F. Austin State University Foundation, and Rotary Club. He also served as a member of the SFASU Board of Regents. He was recognized as Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow, and Texas Legislator of the Year.
Throughout his career as a public servant, Roy M. Blake was more of a statesman than a politician. Following his great-grandfather's footsteps, Roy made a difference for the people of the State of Texas and particularly for the citizens of Nacogdoches.
The family would like to thank his very special caregivers, Johnnie M. Brinson, Trina Ruth, Martha (Cal) Tolbert, and Emma Titus. They also extend their thanks to Hospice of East Texas for their special care.
Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at First United Methodist Church, 201 E. Hospital Street in Nacogdoches, with Dr. Jeff McDonald officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.
His beloved grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Friends and family are invited to visitation from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at Cason Monk-Metcalf, 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of East Texas or Love Inc.
Online condolences may be left at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com
Services are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
February 26, 2019
Wyn Bryant
It was always a great day when our folks would tell us, "We're going to Nacogdoches to to see your grandmother and Uncle Roy and Aunt MaeDeen." It was such fun seeing our Blake cousins and the years have made us even closer. We will always look back on those days with the fondest of memories and with thanks to our Uncle Roy and Aunt MaeDeen. I still miss them.
March 8, 2017
Our deepest condolences to all the family , we are so sorry just saw this sad news tonight
Dr Shakoor &Habiba Awan
March 8, 2017
Christine Watson
Kaki, I just saw this this morning...I am so sorry for your loss. I have a lot of great memories with your Mom & Dad. Prayers for you all!!
March 8, 2017
Ronnie & Melanie Theiss
Roy & Kaki,
Your daddy was truly a soldier, a statesman, and a knightley gentleman. Roy, we will never forget the many times you drove him around the Raguet neighborhood in years past just for him to get out and see his beloved Nacogdoches. May the Lord bring you and your family peace and comfort as only He can.
March 8, 2017
Audry Quick
It was a pleasure to have had your friendship for so many years. I know that you and my Bob have already greeted each other! I send prayers for your precious family and friends who were in your life's circle. May God bless you all.
March 8, 2017
Kelly Young
Kaki, I am so sorry for you and your family that you are bidding a "see you later" to your accomplished father. I can see why you are such an outstanding person yourself. Thank you for carrying on his legacy by helping others --there is no doubt that he is proud of you.
May you feel His peace,
Kelly Young
March 7, 2017
Our deepest sympathies, Ben, I know Ya'll were close. Our thoughts are with the family
Franklin and Sally Jones
March 6, 2017
Elwyn Blake Bryant
Oh Uncle Roy, I am sad for your wonderful children and grandchildren, but I cannot be sad for you. What joy you and Grandmother and Granddaddy Blake and Aunt Mae Deen and Lynn and Bennet and Katherine and Mom must be having. I'm in no particular hurry to join you, but when I do get there, I am fully confident that there will be such a ruckus and happy racket the Blakes and Bryants will all make that St. Peter will be knocking on the door telling us that the neighbors are complaining and we should keep it down. Thank you for having such wonderful children: they are my favorite cousins (oh shoot, I hope Patricia Lynn doesn't see this).
I am so thankful that God let me be part of this family. Please know that I am praying for you all.
Wyn (you know: Don's brother).
March 6, 2017
Sharon Parker
Mr. Blake was such a joy to be around. I'm sorry he passed away. Prayers for the family.
March 6, 2017
B.B. Stanfield, Jr.
I am saddened to learn the passing of Roy Blake.
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Funeral services provided by:
Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors5400 North Street, Nacogdoches, TX 75965
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