Pastor Randall "Fats" Blakely

Pastor Randall Scot Blakely, affectionately known as "Fats, " was born to the union of Elder William O'Brie and Ola Mae Blakely Jr. in Gary, Indiana, on March 6, 1966. He was the seventh of eight children, right after his fraternal twin.
As a child, he attended the Early Learning Baber Youth Center, Vohr Elementary School, Norton Elementary School, and Beckman Middle School; he ultimately graduated from Horace Mann High School in 1985. He continued his education by earning a degree in computer science from IUPUI. He shared a special bond with his father, often spending time hunting, fishing, cutting down Christmas trees, and assisting in building their family church, Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, which still stands today. After his father's passing, he was named the Patriarch of the "Chips of Ola Mae, " encompassing the descendants of Elder William and Ola Mae Blakely. Pastor "Fats" Blakely dedicated his life to Christ at the age of nine after experiencing a life-altering moment during a Second Coming of Christ rehearsal.
He was reacquainted with his longtime friend, Eunice, while working together as Youth Leaders of Faith Temple C.O.G.I.C., while Sister Eunice was reading the church announcements, Randall always proclaimed that as he returned to his seat, the church parted down the middle, the light shined on her, and God said, "That's Your Wife". They were so blessed to be joined in marriage on November 28, 1999, and as a blended family, Fats, Mama Niece, Carleen and Armone' began their journey. They experienced 25 beautiful years of true devotion to their love and family, and most importantly, serving their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Pastor Randall "Fats" Blakely was preceded in death by his parents, William O Blakely Jr. and Mother Ola Mae Blakely. His sisters Donna "Diva D" Blakely-Jackson and Carol "Butter" Blakely. He leaves to cherish his devoted wife of 25 years, Eunice La'Tanya Wilderness-Blakely. Two children, Carleen Melissa Reynolds and Armone' Dion Blakely. Six grandchildren, Zaria Spidell, Chelsea Reynolds, Xavier Blakely, Gabriella Blakely, Abigail Blakely, and Armone' Dion Blakely Jr. Five siblings, Norma J Blakely-Mack, Wilette O Blakely-Alford, Sandra D Blakely, his fraternal twin, Ronald S (Alan Day) Blakely-Day, William O (Nicole) Blakely, III. Mother-in-Love, Mother Ruby Zell Wilderness. Brothers-in-Love, Frank (Brenda) Wilderness Jr., Michael (Jannette) Wilderness, Vance (Georgia) Wilderness. Special Daughters, Anitra Burton and Chalise Morris. Uncle Fats had a very special relationship with all his nieces and nephews: David (Audra), Terrance, Dominique, Terrilyn (James), Dana, Jasmine, William IV, Dawn, Shawn (Steve), La'Tanya (Devonne), Kirk, Frank III, Paul, Yolanda, and Mi'Cheal (Gary). His godmother, Mother Mary Hagler, and a host of relatives, special godchildren, friends, and members of Disciples of Christ Ministries Church of God in Christ.
His musical talents began in his childhood home, specifically in the kitchen, where he would use his mom's pots, pans, and the cleaners' hangers from his father's pants as drumsticks. His talent was showcased through several school performances, most notably Michael Jackson's "Thriller", which he produced and choreographed alongside his twin brother. His passion for music led him to teach at the Loop Lab School in Chicago, where he and his students won the Chicago Music Awards in 2000. His performances with Dr. Leon Kendrick, particularly their rendition of "Don't Let the Devil Ride, " were always crowd favorites.
He began as a drummer at Faith Temple C.O.G.I.C. and for the Northern Indiana State Choir. He served as the Minister of Music for St. Jude Deliverance Center for 10 years under the leadership of Bishop Lois B. Hill. Fats' unique style and anointed arrangements as a church musician for St. Jude's Deliverance choir at the Gary, IN location inspired Chief Apostle Bishop Joe Price to appoint him as the Minister of Music for the entire Deliverance movement. He was also a drummer for the late Ron Bishop and Judah First Chorale. Fats shared his musical talents at First Baptist, Washington Street Church of God, Abundant Love Ministries, New Hope MB, Rhema Word, Jerusalem MBC, Prince of Peace C.O.G.I.C., Mount Olive, True Light International Ministries, Greater Zion Apostolic Church, Deliverance Temple C.O.G.I.C., Miracle Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C., Hope Worship Center, Cathedral of Praise C.O.G.I.C., and several other ministries and reformations.
He served until his transition under Bishop E. Bobby Warren as the State Minister of Music for the Indiana Third Jurisdiction. He was distinguished throughout the Church of God in Christ, particularly at the Midwest Regional Conference, and won Song of the Year consecutively in 2017 and 2018. He was an influential leader for the Blakely Family Singers and led the family group faithfully until God called him home.
Pastor Fats Blakely founded Disciples of Christ in 2011 in Toledo, OH, and relaunched the ministry in 2023 in Indianapolis, IN, where he served faithfully until his health began to decline. His members were loyal and dedicated, always able to count on an uplifting, encouraging, and practical message for their daily walk with Christ. Additionally, a good laugh was a constant expectation. His favorite scripture was Isaiah 40:31, which reads, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. "
His musical career was revolutionary and exceptional over the years. He was recognized as a maestro, a musical genius, a mentor, teacher, songwriter, and producer, specializing in several high-performing musical applications such as Drum-Loop Programming. His musical mentors included the late Superintendent Dr. David Blakely, Mother Delores Blakely, Pastor Graylan Blakely, Pastor Harold Blakely, David Allen Blakely, Elder Louis Hall, and Pastor Maxx Frank, among others.
He birthed the world-renowned group Randall "Fats" Blakely & G.I. Praise out of his God-appointed assignment. His most notable songs include "Keep Running for Jesus, " " I'm Determined, " "Saved," "Christ is Coming Back," and "Inspite of It All," which was his biggest hit while signed to Tyscot Records. His final song, produced by his son, is titled "Just Us, " an instrumental created for his beautiful wife during the global pandemic when it was "just the two of them" at home. He also produced the late Donna "Diva D" Blakely-Jackson's notable album, Healing for Me. His musical contributions feature distinct sounds that have influenced a recognizable style in the Gospel genre, which is loved and appreciated for being distinctly known as "the Fats Blakely sound".
We were truly honored to experience his God-given gifts on every occasion. Randall shared his gift of laughter, which touched the lives of everyone he encountered. His humor was distinctive and magnetic, never leaving anyone with a frown. A single line was all it took for you to remember your encounter with him forever. Whether it was his witty remarks during family gatherings or his hilarious stories during church services, Pastor Blakely's laughter was infectious, and his memory will always bring a smile to our faces.
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