ARTHUR GILBERT BLAKEY III

Arthur Gilbert Blakey III entered into eternal rest suddenly on the morning of September 13, 2018, at his residence in Petersburg, Virginia. Arthur was born July 4, 1948, in Fluvanna, Virginia. He was the first child born to the late Arthur Gilbert Blakey, Jr. and Gladys Bryce Holland.

He was preceded in death by his father, step-father; Bradford Holland, father in-law; Russell Harvey, mother in-law; Elizabeth Harvey, and devoted grandfather; Dr. Arthur Gilbert Blakey, Sr.

He was a native of Ettrick, Virginia, and spent the majority of his adult life in Petersburg, Virginia. He attended St. Emma's Military Academy and was a graduate of Matoaca High School. He attended Virginia State University and was a member of the United States Air Force, serving his country in the Vietnam War before his honorable discharge. Arthur was a loving and protective older brother who would do anything for his baby sisters. He was a knowledgeable sports fan and shared a special affinity with his younger brother, whom he called ""Butch"". He also shared his love of basketball with his only son, who was also his best friend. As a proud father, he enjoyed cheering at his many basketball games. In recent years, he rekindled and remarried his only true love, Gwen. They spent the past year enjoying weekend road trips with the top down on their convertible.

Arthur was a licensed diesel mechanic and avid reader with a distinct passion for puzzles and chess. He also loved the Steelers, Yankees, Spurs and any sport related to UVA athletics. Fishing and long rides to the beach were always favorite pastime activities. Arthur was easygoing with charm and a laugh that could light up a room. He cared for his family deeply and was the primary caregiver to his mother for many years. Arthur G. Blakey III will always be loved, never forgotten, and greatly missed.

Arthur leaves to cherish his memories, his mother; Gladys Bryce Holland, wife; Gwendolyn Harvey Blakey, son; Arthur G. Blakey IV (Cureaka), grandchildren; Christopher and Gabrielle, step-grandchildren; Danielle and Christian, sisters; Laurette Foster (William) and Deborah ""Debbie"" Thompkins (P.T.) of Houston, Texas and brother; Bradford Holland, Jr. (Donna) of Charlottesville, Virginia. He had a very close relationship with his in-laws; June Harvey (Brenda), Sandra Calliham (Late Lewis), Odessa Pride (Late Roger Pride) and Deborah Harvey. Affectionately known by many as ""Uncle Arthur,"" he was loved by a host of nieces and nephews; William and Aysha (Laurette), Rachel, Lisa, Tatiana, Johannah, Benjamin, David, Sasha and Justin (Deborah) Bradford III and Veronica (Bradford, Jr.), Crystal and JB (Sandra), JR and the late Eric Harvey (June), and Vanessa and Roger, Jr. (Odessa). Arthur also leaves a host of cousins, aunts, and close friends.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 22, 2018, in the Chapel of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA. Interment will be held 12:00 Noon, Monday, September 24, 2018, at Virginia Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made in memory of Arthur Blakey III to one of the following charity of your choice in support of the surviving family members:

Supporting Widow, Gwen Blakey

St. Andrews Church

County Road 660

Cullen VA 23934

Supporting Mother, Gladys B. Holland

Virginia State University - Agricultural Alumni

1 Hayden Street

Ettrick, VA 23806

Supporting Son, Arthur Blakey

Liberation Veterans Services

1201 Hull Street

Richmond, VA 23224

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911. Watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.