Bobby Lee Blake

Bobby is survived by his wife, Benita of 35 years; daughter, Maegan Blake (Travis); sister, Patricia Charrier; grandsons, Joshua, Zachary, Tyler Blake, Camron and Laydon Ladner, stepsons, Terry (Kim) and Tim (Alissa) Baggett; step granddaughters, Elisabeth and Sydney Baggett; step grandsons Beau, Benjamin and Chance Baggett.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr and Mrs Cluff Blake and Mr Albert and Silver Lee Parker; parents, Alton Blake and Learlene Boudreaux; brother, Clarence Blake; sons, Clarence "Chuck" and Bobby J Blake.

Bobby Lee Blake, age 76, was known to his family as Bobby and to his friends at Lake Norrell as Bob 3 passed away 8 November 2025. He valiantly fought a 12 year battle with cancer. Believing he was cancer free for 2 years when it metastasized to his brain stem. Even then he continued fighting with treatments.

Born in Belzoni, MS (The Catfish Capital of the World) on 16 February 1949. He lived a full and varied life. As a youngster his family moved to New Orleans, LA. His dad and granddad, experienced bridge builders, were building a bridge there. Bobby's third grade teacher recognized his personality and talent and arranged for him to audition for the role of "Opie" of the "Andy Griffith Show". His family moved to Ocean Springs to build yet another two bridges. Bobby excelled in sports. He and his brother Clarence played baseball from little league to high school(HS). Bobby had a 90 MPH fastball. In HS football he and his brother played right and left tight ends. He loved to play in dart and pool leagues. It was not all play for Bobby. At 13 he worked part time and Summers caulking wooden ships at Toche Shipyard, a lost skill as ships are no longer made of wood. During the height of the Vietnam War Bobby volunteered for the Navy and served as an Airman, a term no longer used to describe those who maintain aircraft in the Navy. He was a Crewchief and certified in both prop and jet engines. Most of his time was as Crewchief for the Admiral in Jacksonville , FL. He served 6 months on the Franklin D Roosevelt (FDR) , an aircraft carrier in the mediterranean. He described the rough seas as crashing over the sides and pitching it left and right. It left him with a permanent habit of holding on to his fork whenever he ate. Aboard the FDR he noticed the cooks were throwing away the chicken wings, livers and gizzards. He asked them to save them for him so he could batter and deep fry them for snacks. He was a great cook.

Honorably discharged from the Navy he returned home to join the police and fire departments of Ocean Springs, MS. He graduated top of his class at the Firefighting Academy and rookie of the year at the Police department. He was the only one certified to operate the jaws of life. Which he used to save a young man's life. He was awarded the Medal of Valor for his swift actions. He was an EMT. Delivered babies in cars, Pulled people out of burning buildings, Was a narcotics officer. Arrested David Duke, Grand wizzard of the KKK. He was Fire Chief in Diamondhead and Gautier MS. And of course he was their favorite cook.

He drove 18 wheelers, sold cars, and was a ship fitter and Half Hat at Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, MS. One of the largest shipbuilders for the Navy. Lastly he was self-employed as foundation specialist and carpenter.
He leaves a legacy of hard work, skill, bravery, service and love for his family and friends.

A celebration of life gathering and pot luck will be held at the community center at Lake Norrell 2:00 p.m. on December 6, 2025. A military funeral with full honors will occur at the VA cemetery Biloxi, MS at a later date.