Samuel "Sam" Blakely

1928 - 2025

Tupelo/Grenada-Samuel Caruthers Blakely passed away November 1, 2025, at the Manor on Lawndale in Tupelo, Mississippi. He was born October 30, 1928, in Webster County to William Henry Blakely and Josephine Lishman Blakely. He attended schools in Montgomery, Leflore and Carroll counties, and John Rundle High School in Grenada. He was a life-long learner, reading a wide variety of literature. Greatly valuing education, he provided constant encouragement and support to his daughter, son-in-law, grandson and granddaughter-in-law in their pursuit of college degrees. Mr. Blakely lived and worked in Grenada for many years, retiring at the Tie Plant facility of Koppers Company as assistant plant manager after thirty years of service. He was a Third Degree Mason and a proud member of Sons of the American Revolution, having an ancestor who fought under the command of Washington and Lafayette. Also, he was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed all aspects of nature. He was a member of the United Methodist Church. Mr. Blakely married Motell Herbert on March 9, 1947, and they enjoyed sixty-five happy years together before her death in 2012. They were wonderful parents to their only daughter Frances Blakely Williams. In his later years, after moving to Tupelo, he enjoyed exercising at the Wellness Center and drinking coffee with his friends there. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents. Two brothers, J. W. Blakely and Roy Blakely,; three sisters, Eloise Little, Frances Delores Nail and Doris Andrews. He leaves his daughter, Dr. Frances Blakely Williams, son-in-law Phillip K. Williams, grandson Phillip Blakely Williams and his wife Amy Livingston Williams, and his great granddaughter Riley Blakely Williams. Mr. Blakely was a dignified Southern gentleman of quiet strength who loved his family deeply. His special was the company of his great-granddaughter. He will be greatly missed. Per his request, a private family service will be held at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo Chapel. He will be buried beside his wife at Bethel Methodist Church in Carroll County. For those wishing to express condolences, they may post on Mr. Blakely's memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com