Mr. Thomas Blake, Sr.

NEW YORK, NY - In profound sorrow we announce the passing of Mr. Thomas Blake, Sr., 72 of New York, NY, formerly of Charleston, SC, who entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 24, 2016. He is the beloved husband of Mrs. Sylvia Annabell Frazier-Blake and the devoted father of Mr. Thomas Blake, Jr. (Claudia) of Germany and Kuwait, Mrs. Miranda Blake-Mehlhaff (Derek) of Austin, Texas, Mr. Anthony Blake (Camile) of Boca Raton, Florida and Mr. Martin Blake of New York City, New York.

Thomas Blake, Sr., the oldest son of the Late Ella Blake-Gilliard and James Gilliard, Sr. was born June 8, 1943 in the South Santee Section of McClellanville, SC. Thomas spent his formative years in the home of his grandparent, Annie and Joe Blake. Upon their death Thomas joined his parents in Charleston, SC. and later resided with his Aunt Viola Swinton and her husband in downtown Charleston, SC.

Thomas was a member of Mt Zion AME Church in New York City.

Thomas received his education in the Charleston County School District, and graduated from W Gresham High School in May of 1962. While at W. Gresham Meggett High, Thomas participated in the school Choir, the Library Club, Dramatic Club and played on the football team. Thomas was always well dress and was voted Best Dress student and Most Likely to Succeed by his Senior Classmates.

Thomas was united in Holy Matrimony to his childhood sweetheart, the former Sylvia Ann "Annabelle" Frazier on June 27, 1964. This union of fifty-one years was blessed with three sons, Thomas Blake, Jr. of Germany and Kuwait, Anthony Blake of Boca Raton, Florida, Martin Blake of New York, NY, and one daughter Miranda Blake Mehlhaff of Austin, Texas.

Thomas was employed with a diverse number of companies before his retirement; The New York Telephone Company; Work Bench Furniture Company; Mills Patrol Guard Service, Mill River Golf Course and Muttontown Golf Course. Thomas enjoyed the game of golf and caddying for the pros during golf tournaments. He also enjoyed shopping for food and loved cooking for his family. Thomas was a good provider for his family and enjoyed family life.

Thomas Blake, Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and friend entered into eternal rest at 10:47am on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at Isabella Nursing Home in New York City.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents Ella Blake Gilliard and James Gilliard and his sister Viola Gilliard Hill and his brother-in-law Kenny Hill.

To forever cherish his precious memories and celebrate his life are his loving and devoted wife Sylvia Ann "Annabell" Frazier Blake, his three sons and their spouses Thomas, Jr (Claudia), Anthony (Camile), and Martin; one precious daughter Miranda (Derek). His three grandsons: Benjamin, Justice, Alexander; two granddaughters Quanisha and Madison; and one great grandson Caleb. Two sisters, Helen Guadalupe of Allentown, Pa.; and Emily Gilliard-Sanders of Rockford, Il.; four brothers and spouse Willie James Blake, Sr., (Nina) Ivan Gilliard, Jerome Gilliard, and Alfred Gilliard. One Aunt, Annie Blake Wilson; and one Uncle, Peter Wilson. Six sister-in-law and spouses; Eva F. Seabrook (Charlie); Ursulee and Julia Ann Frazier; Lillie F. Riley (Robert, Sr.) Rosa Lee Fergerson and Jacqueline F. Hill (Tyrone Sr.) Three brother-in-law and spouse Eugene Frazier, Sr. (Francis), Ralph Brown Richardson and Preston King.

Thomas will be greatly missed at home especially his favorite expression of saying "Daddy's home" whenever he arrives. He will also be missed by other relatives and friends.