Joseph Alan Blake

BENSON - Joseph Alan Blake passed away on Saturday, August 4, at home, surrounded by his family. Joe was born on March 27, 1955 at Mary Elizabeth Hospital in Raleigh. He was the eldest of four boys of Geraldine and Alan Blake. Joe graduated from Garner High School in 1972 and began his career of welding, at Rockwell International. Over the years, he worked at various construction companies throughout Raleigh before starting his own business, BB Portable Welding. Joe finished his career working as Mechanic IV with the North Carolina Department of Administration. In 1978 he joined the National Guard and was trained in Fort McClellan, Alabama. Joe served our country proudly as a Military Policeman attached to the National Guard Unit in Raleigh NC. for 12 years. His service confirmed his devotion to country which continued throughout his life. Joe met Rhoda Marie in 1979 over the CB radio. “Soldier Boy” and “Little Mama” were surprised to discover they only lived a block apart. They were married in 1980 and spent the last 38 years enjoying their life of hard work, riding motorcycles, traveling, and fishing at their river house. Together, they raised their son, John “TJ” Blake. He is preceded in death by his father Alan, his brother Ricky and his nephew, Kit. He is survived by his wife, Marie Blake; son, TJ Blake (Malia); mother, Geraldine Blake; brothers, Keith Blake (fiance Margaret), Scott Blake (Sara); grandchildren, Tyler and Brooklyn Blake; and a host of favorite nieces and nephews. The funeral will be held at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner on Friday Aug. 10 at 2 PM. with procession immediately following to the gravesite at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh. The family will receive visitors on Thursday Aug. 9 from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM at the funeral home in Garner. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Atlanta Georgia at https://www.gatewaycr.org/ways-to-give/ or to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607. Condolences to the family may be made to bryan-leefuneralhome.com