Blake Ragsdale Van Leer II

Blake CHARLOTTE - Van Leer II Ragsdale Van Leer II II Obituary: Blake Ragsdale Van Leer II (1952 - 2024)

Blake Ragsdale Van Leer II (72), a distinguished engineer, entrepreneur, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2024. Born into a family with a long history of engineering and service, Blake left a legacy of innovation, grit, and loved ones.

In 1972, Blake graduated from Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, South Carolina, while his father, Blake Wayne Van Leer, served as the head officer of the Charleston Naval Base. During his youth, he enjoyed playing soccer, and was known for his adventurous spirit racing motor cross and cars with his friends.

Following his service in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, Blake returned home to pursue his education. He followed in the footsteps of his family's long engineering lineage, attending Georgia Tech University and becoming an accomplished engineer. His family's engineering tradition stretches back to the Revolutionary War, which includes ancestor, Founding Father General "Mad" Anthony Wayne, the historical inspiration for the name of Batman's Bruce Wayne.

Blake began his career in Atlanta, where he worked with renowned developer John Portman on iconic projects, such as the Peachtree Plaza Hotel, One Atlantic Center, and the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. His engineering expertise extended to founding his own firm, where he contributed to major developments throughout the Atlanta Metro area.

Later in his career, Blake expanded his impact to the Washington, D.C. area, where he championed green and modern waste as well as recycling engineering initiatives. He developed the Uline Arena transfer station, pioneered landfill gas-to-energy projects, and built one of the first landfills equipped with rail access to reduce emissions and traffic.

Expanding his professional achievements, Blake was also the owner of One Eyed Jacks, a beloved bar near Georgia Tech's campus. It served as a place for camaraderie, collaboration, and gatherings with friends and developers.

Blake was also a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church, and enjoyed sharing its values and traditions with his family. In his later years, he found joy in boating with friends in Annapolis and Key West, cheering on his beloved Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and attending Washington football games.

Blake is survived by his devoted wife, Rhoda (Landis) Van Leer; his siblings, Wayne Van Leer and Maryanne (Van Leer) Anderson; his two children, Blake (Lindsay) Van Leer and Phillip (Cynthia) Van Leer; and eight grandchildren: Daniel (Miller), Camryn, Vivienne, Lukas, Landon, Rylan, Valen, and Noah. He is preceded in death by his parents, Blake Wayne Van Leer and Margaret Anne (Weaver) Van Leer, and grandson Stellan Ragsdale Van Leer. His memory will live on in the lives he touched, the projects he brought to life, and the legacy of excellence he upheld.

Blake Ragsdale Van Leer II's journey was one of courage, innovation, and a love for his family, community, and country. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.