Dalton Blakely's Obituary
Dalton Blakely, a fixture in the Bartlett, Tennessee community, passed away on December 7, 2023. He was 86.
Dalton was born in Sardis, MS, the son of Dalton Blakely, Sr. and Clarice Blakely. He graduated from Treadwell High School in Memphis, TN and married Sue Thompson after meeting at the Cotton Exchange in 1957 where they both worked. The pair have been inseparable ever since, celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary this past May.
Dalton worked in the automotive industry and took care of countless people in the community when they had issues with their cars. He had a remarkable skill in developing long lasting relationships with his customers. He was a friend to all, never meeting a stranger and was a role model to many. He was a straight shooter with a great sense of humor.
Dalton’s top priority was his family. He was always deeply involved in his son’s activities, including being a baseball coach and a Scout master. He was loved by his grandchildren who he spent as much time with as possible. They all grew up to know him well and they frequently exchanged text messages.
Most notable was Dalton’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He spent every Wednesday night and Sunday morning at Bartlett Baptist Church and was a constant presence in his Sunday School class. He and Sue were part of a “supper club” that included ~10 families from Leawood Baptist Church established over 50 years ago. Dalton was known for his utmost kindness, selflessness, and service to all who crossed his path. In any room, he was always the one asked to say the prayer, offer advice, and encourage those towards the Word of the Lord.
Dalton is preceded in death by his parents Dalton, Sr. and Clarice; and two grandsons, Matthew Dalton Blakely and Aaron Joseph Blakely.
Dalton is survived by his beloved wife Sue; his three sons, Anthony Dalton Blakely, Cumming, GA, Martin Lee Blakely (Johnetta), Nashville, TN, and Cary Len Blakely, Gainesville, FL; grandchildren Joshua Andrew Blakely (Chandler), Lauren Elizabeth Blakely, Anna Len Blakely, Lillian Grace Blakely, and Elizabeth Chandler Blakely; and two great-grandchildren, Jude Andrew Blakely and Makena Grace Blakely; his sister Linda Watkins (John); and multiple nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Bartlett Baptist Church on December 12, 2023 at 11:00 am with visitation at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Bartlett Baptist Church – Next Steps https://bartlettbaptist.org/giving/.
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