David Ray Blake, 70, of Carmi, passed away on March 30, 2023, at Deaconess Gateway surrounded by his kids. he was born on January 21, 1953 in New Haven, IL, the oldest of three sons to the late Melvin “Mose” Blake and Geraldine (Bean) Craig. He worked for many years as a Driller for Kendall Drilling before starting his career as a professional truck driver, running up and down the highways providing for his family and making friends that lasted a lifetime. He took his knowledge for trucking and taught his son all the tricks of the trade while working together as team drivers for many years until he came off the road and began his own trucking company with his kids, Blake Transport, LLC, where he dispatched his son to make sure he kept the wheels rolling and bringing that money home.
He was a jokester, a wheeler and dealer (because everything has a price, except his dog Poochie), and the life of the party. If you were lucky enough to exist in his world you knew he was the best secret keeper and advice giver. He loved to aggravate his daughter just to hear her say “Daddy….”, his beer, frying fish, mowing his Pole Barn, guns, crossbows and in the winter and fall, hunting deer from his hallway window. However, his greatest love was for his kids, they came before anyone or anything, including himself and for that, he will always be their hero. The greatest joy of his life was his partner in crime and beloved Grandson Zachary.
He will be missed beyond measure by his children Christina (Richard Long) Blake, Salem, IL, David and Crystal Blake Il, grandson Zachary Blake, Carmi, his precious dog Poochie. Brothers Mark Blake and Floyd Blake, Carmi, step-brother Raymond (Rhonda) Harris of Robards, KY and a special Sister-in-Law Charlene Leffingwell, Carmi. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews that always knew they could call their Uncle David for anything at any time. He was also the “dad” to many and was especially close to Alex “Bam” Jovanovich and his family. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandparents Benny and Mae Bean, Sisters-in- Law, Sandra Blake and Sherry Blake and Brother-in-Law Bob Leffingwell.
Funeral Services for David Ray Blake will be held at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi on Friday, April 7, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. With burial following immediately at Kingdom Cemetery in Carmi. Friends and Family may visit from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi is in charge of the arrangements.