Jerry Joe Blakely

Jerry Joe Blakely LITTLEFIELD-Jerry Joe Blakely, 75, of Littlefield, went to be with his Lord Tuesday, July 1, 2014, in Lubbock. He was born Sept. 3, 1938, in Lubbock to Clyde and Josephine Blakely. Jerry lived in Idalou before moving to Seagraves, Texas, where he graduated from Seagraves High School in 1957. After graduation, he attended Eastern New Mexico University on a football scholarship and was the recipient of the Hardest Running Back Award and the Most Valuable Player award. He began his coaching career at Marshall Junior High School in Clovis, N.M. in 1962. In 1963, he moved to Clovis High School where he served as head track coach and assistant football coach. He became head coach and athletic director at Olton High School in 1969. In April 1971, he became head football coach and athletic director at Littlefield High School and served in that position for 15 years. His 17-year head coaching record consisted of nine district championships, 26 playoff games, a state championship appearance in 1982, and a win-loss record of 141-45-7. He was a six-time Lubbock Avalanche Journal Coach of the Year recipient, an inductee to the Top O' Texas Hall of Fame, and a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor. In addition, he has served on the board of directors and All-Star Committee of the Texas High School Coaches Association. In the summer of 1986, he became the Superintendent of Schools for Littlefield Independent School District, a position he served in for the last 28 years. During his tenure as Superintendent, he served on the UIL Legislative Committee. He was also instrumental in overseeing many renovations and additions to LISD facilities, as well as committed to improving LISD's fiscal and academic performance. He was a member of the Littlefield Chamber of Commerce and former recipient of the City of Littlefield Man of the Year award. In addition to all of his career accomplishments, Jerry was also a family man. On June 10, 1959, in Denver City, Texas, he married his high school sweetheart, Tiddly Moseley, and they raised three children. He and his wife, Tiddly, were members of the First United Methodist Church in Littlefield. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Tiddly Blakely of Littlefield; a son, Scott Blakely and wife Renee' of Midland; two daughters, DeEnna Brown and husband Duane of Littlefield, and BJ Kientz and husband Kevin of Corpus Christi; eight grandchildren, Danielle Blakely of Lubbock, Whitney McWilliams and husband Mason of Tucson, Ariz., Blake Demel and wife Randi of Denver City, Shane Brown and wife Liz of Frisco, Anthony Brown of Denton, Erin Brown of Addison, Thomas Kientz of Corpus Christi and Kailey Kientz of Corpus Christi; five great-grandchildren, Hannah Demel, Hayden Demel, Natalie Brown, Grady Brown, and Ryen Wilburn; two brothers, Pat Blakely and wife Chrissy of Gatesville, and Buck Blakely and wife Margie of Houston; brother-in-law, Tommy Moseley and wife Judy of Seagraves; and several nieces and a nephew. Funeral services to honor Jerry Blakely's life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2014, at First Baptist Church in Littlefield. Interment will follow in Littlefield Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday, July 3, 2014, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorials be made to the Littlefield High School Scholarship fund. Everyone is encouraged to wear maroon and white to the services, if they choose. Arrangements are under the personal care of Hillcrest Funeral Home in Littlefield.