Photo courtesy of Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington
Sorry to hear about Don. He was such a nice person and I dont think I ever saw him without a smile.
Mike Walter
January 14, 2014 | Coats, NC
Don Blake was a wonderful man - caring, funny, dedicated to his family and community, and a sharp businessman. He gave me my first full-time job in Wilmington at Blake Printing. He and Cathey, along with dear friend Cindy Meyers, provided me with the skills and network to pursue an early career in the printing industry. I am forever indebted to them and have fond memories of our time together. Rest in peace, Don. Hugs to you, dear Cathey, and Linda and Otto too.
Allison Rankin
January 09, 2014 | Wilmington, NC
Cathey . . . so sorry to hear of Don's passing . . . Chris had told me just before Christmas that they had been to hospice to visit his uncle . . . but I never put two and two together. Remember so many good times with you and Don fist at Bee Line and then at Goudarzis' parties . . . he will be sorely missed! Donna & Rich Schmetterer
January 08, 2014
Cathey, Children and Family,
We are sorry to hear of Don's passing. We just found out as we were out of town until yesterday. He was a kind, happy man who loved his family dearly. That was very evident at reunions. Prayers are with you all. Vicki, Henry and family
Vicki McAninch
January 05, 2014 | Spartanburg, SC
My deepest condolences to you, Cathy and the family of Don Blake, a Wilmingtonian who served on so many levels. He was a real asset to us and a top-shelf guy. We will surely miss him.
January 04, 2014
What a gracious public servant whether in military service or helping to guide our county. Cathy, thank you for the many happy memories of you and Don on the campaign trail. You were a wonderful, happy team and you made him a happy man. So sorry for your loss...our loss. You and he are in our prayers
Harry Payne
January 03, 2014 | Raleigh, NC
I got to know Don while working with him in his Printing Business for many years.I became very good friends with he and Kathy. I was welcome in their home when I was in town.I got to know and become friends with lot of people who worked for him.As I look back I feel Don cared a lot more about helping people and seeing them happy then he ever did about business and to me that makes him a very special person that I will never forget.I did not get to see Don in the last few years but I often...
larry underwood
January 03, 2014 | Greensboro
I am very sad to hear that Mr. Donald Blake has passed away. He was so kind and charming to me and my sons when we started learning about coin collecting. His sense of humor was wonderful and I enjoyed just sitting and talking to him about my collection of "squished pennies" or "elongated coins" as they are referred to in the numismatic world. I know that this was not one of his more important accomplishments in life, but for my family it meant the world! It has been a few years since I saw...
Rita Blake Russ
January 03, 2014 | Wilmington, NC
My thoughts are with you Cathy.. Beth Austell
Dinah Carpenter
January 02, 2014 | Salisbury, NC
Lt. Col. Donald Pierce Blake (USA ret.), age 89, of Wilmington, NC passed away peacefully December 30, 2013 at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center. Don was born April 4, 1924 in Wilmington NC to the late Alvah M. Blake and Bertha Pierce Blake. He was predeceased by his brothers Henry C. Blake II and Alvah M. Blake, and his former wife Martha Hoover Blake.Don graduated from New Hanover High School in 1942 and was drafted into the Army in 1943. He served in combat in Germany during World War II for three years. Shortly after returning to Wilmington, he joined the Army Reserves and enrolled in the Wilmington College Center of the University of North Carolina. He was elected the first student body president for the present day UNCW. He also helped found, and was the first president of the Wilmington College Alumni Association. After graduating from Wilmington College, he was accepted to law school at Wake Forest. Before he could begin law school, the Army called him back to active service for the Korean Conflict. He received a direct commission to First Lieutenant. He continued to serve through the Vietnam War in 1968-69. He retired from the Army in 1971 as a Lieutenant Colonel with 27 years of service.Upon returning to Wilmington, Don started a commercial printing business, Blake Printing and Graphics, and later added Bee Line Copy Center. After retiring from the printing business, Don?s love for numismatics led him to open Don?s Coins.In 1980, Don was elected to the New Hanover Board of County Commissioners, where he served four years and was chairman in 1982. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving as chair for the committee to preserve the old courthouse. Don served for ten years on the Board of Trustees for Cape Fear Community College and as chairman for his last two years. In that capacity, he headed an effort to establish a course for Registered Nurses at CFCC. He served on the County Board of Health for a total 19 years, with numerous terms as chairman. As a member of the board of health he was responsible for spearheading adoption of a state law requiring that a clean plate must be used each time a diner returns to a buffet. Don was honored by the state with the Carl Durham Award for the most outstanding local board of health member. He was also honored by the New Hanover County Board of Health by having a conference room named in his honor.He was a longtime member of Post 10, American Legion; The Kiwanis Club of Azalea City; SENCLAND Chapter, The Retired Officers Association (TROA), serving a term as president; a member of The Quiet Birdmen; Wilmington-New Hanover County Military Affairs Committee, a member of the Old New Hanover Genealogical Society (ONHGS), Moore?s Creek Battleground Association and the Lower Cape Fear Coin Club. Don is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Cathey Reeves Blake. Three children: Diane Blake Racey, Raleigh, NC, Gary Blake and wife Twanda of Wilmington, NC, and Linda Blake Gross and husband Otto of Salisbury, NC. Four grandchildren: Barbara Racey Crowder (Trey) of Forest, VA, Derick Racey of Fuquay-Varina, NC, Shannon Blake King (Scott) of Hampstead, NC and Kristin Blake Horrell (Phil) of Wilmington, NC. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren.Don is also survived by and loved as his own two stepchildren: Molly Humble Nguyen of Fernandina Beach, FL and Jimmy Humble of Wilmington. Five step grandchildren: Blake Nguyen of Tampa, FL, Alycen Nguyen of Wilmington, NC, Spencer Nguyen of Fernandina Beach, FL, Casey Humble of Wilmington, NC and Jenna Humble of Wilmington, NC.Also surviving are sister, Jeanette Blake Marshall (Jim) of Kinston, NC and brother, David E. Blake (Janice) of Dunwoody, GA. Don is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he loved so much.The family would like to thank the staff of the Lower Cape Hospice and Life Care Center for the loving physical, emotional and spiritual support given to Don, Cathey and Casey during this difficult time. We love you all.?When I depart this earthly life, I don?t want mourning. I would rather that those still living consider that I have had a good life. There have been hardships, and all the trials and tribulations which are a part of life. I have been most fortunate to be surrounded by good people most of my life, family and friends. I have been to many places and seen many things. I have been involved in interesting and enjoyable things. I hope that it can be said about me that I served my community and my country, and that I have helped make a difference.?Visitation will be held from 4-6 pm on Thursday, January 2, 2014 at Andrews Mortuary on Market Street.Funeral service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2014 at 2pm at Scotts Hill Baptist Church, Scotts Hill Loop Road. Interment will follow at Sea Lawn Memorial Garden in Hampstead.In lieu of flowers, contributions in Don?s memory may be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center -1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington NC 28401 or UNCW Advancement ? 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403.
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