LANCASTER, SC ~ Mr. William Robert Blakely, age 85, passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at the Wayne T. Patrick house in Rock Hill, SC.  He was born on February 8, 1934 in Lancaster, the son of the late Robert Watson Blakely and Ollie Mae Stacks Blakely and was the husband of Sybil Kirkley Blakely.  Mr. Blakely served his country in the United States Navy and served on the USS Mt. Katmai.  He retired from Dupont after 24 years of service.  Mr. Blakely also built docks on Lake Wateree for over 30 years.  He loved his family dearly and made sure they were cared for each and every day.  Mr. Blakely was a member of White Springs Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and on many committees.  He loved to cook so serving in the kitchen at church was his favorite.  Mr. Blakely loved his church and loved serving the Lord.

Mr. Blakely is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sybil Kirkley Blakely; a daughter, Gina Blakely Warren of Lancaster; four grandchildren, Cynthia Gina Horton (fiancé, Steven Thompson), Allison Wright (Kip), Michael West, and Daniel Warren (Katie Kuffskie); nine great grandchildren, Braydon Horton (fiancée Morgan Logan), Ashton Thompson, Ali Grace Wright, Karlie West, Megan Thompson, Justin Thompson, Austin Wright, Mason Wright, and William Fitzgerald Warren; a special family friend, Charles Warren; and a son-in-law, Kenny West.

Mr. Blakely was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Cynthia Robin Blakely West; and a grandson, Ryan West.

The Celebration of Life Funeral Service for Mr. Blakely will be 3:00 pm Friday, October 25, 2019 at White Springs Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Don Waldrop and Rev. Mike Hammond.  Burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Thursday, October 24, 2019 at Burgess Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to White Springs Baptist Church, 1249 Grace Ave., Lancaster, SC 29720.