Donald Blakely

FRANKLIN - Donald Miles Blakely, 62, formerly of Los Angeles, California, and Brandon, Florida, unexpectedly left this Earth at his home Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025.
He was the son of Betty Jo Copher Wood of Franklin, and the late Lee Blakely of Santa Monica, California. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Darren Blakely; uncle, Richard Copher; stepfather, Rupert Wood; and all grandparents.
Don made Franklin his home for almost 20 years and grew to enjoy the slow pace of mountain life, but as a young man, his true loves were oceans, lakes and rivers, where he enjoyed swimming, boating, fishing, water skiing and surfing. He had a close-knit circle of friends and fellow adventurers at Brandon High School; he graduated from there in 1981. Don was a gifted sketch artist and briefly attended art school before returning to his childhood home in southern California, where he lived and worked for 10 years.
Upon returning to Florida in the mid 90s, he married and had two children who he loved unconditionally for the rest of his life. The Blakely family unexpectedly lost a son and brother in 1998. After his brother's death, Don struggled, so he eventually came to the North Carolina mountains to relax and find peace of mind, and while here, he learned to savor the serene beauty and quiet calmness of the area.
While living in Franklin, he met and fell in love with a single mom, Rexanna Duvall; they had 18 wonderful years together. Her family grew to love Don for his kind and gentle nature and, most importantly, for his intense love and devotion to her.
Don worked most of his adult life in sales and warehouse delivery. For the last seven years, he worked at Watauga Creek Furnishings, where he prided himself on the work he did and his relationship with the customers and his work family.
In addition to his mother, Jo; spouse, Rexanna; and stepson, Dylan (Alison) Duvall of Atlanta, Georgia, Don is survived by his daughter, Hannah (Dakota) of Lincoln City, Oregon; son, Blake, of Salem, Oregon; brother, Doug Blakely, of San Francisco, California; niece, Allie (Justin) Kruger; great-niece and nephew, Nova and Orion Kruger, all of San Francisco; and uncle, aunts and cousins, as well as three step-siblings and their families.
Though his life was cruelly cut short, Don, with all his many quirks, playful nature and authentic kindness, made a lasting impression on all those who took time to really know him.
A memorial service was held at Macon Funeral Home on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m. The family received friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Later, Don's family will respect his wishes that his ashes be returned to Florida to be interred by his best friend and beloved younger brother.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com. Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.