Blake Lovin Wilkey

Blake Lovin Wilkey, 98, of the Snowbird Community in Robbinsville, NC, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2019 at Peak resources in Shelby, NC.

He was a member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years.

Blake was the son of the late Frank Curtis and Bessie Jane Lovin Wilkey.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his 3 brothers, Elbert, Howard, and James.

He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Helen Louise McGuire Wilkey; his son and daughter in law, Sidney and Tana Wilkey of Shelby, NC; his daughter and son in law, Rachel and Michael Serrano of Nashville, GA; his grandchildren, Blake Wilkey and his wife, Peyton, Tanner Serrano and his wife, Lindsey, and Cierra Serrano; and his great grandchild, Layton Serrano.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Blake was a Veteran of WWII having served his country in Italy, North Africa, and the Mediterranean Sea area between 1942-1945.  He loved to wear his WWII cap because it enabled him to connect with other veterans and they could talk about their experiences.  Blake also had a vast knowledge of all things Snowbird, the railroad, and Bemis Logging.  He was often called on to relate a particular event or to identify people in old photographs.  He was a carpenter by trade, having helped to build houses in Fontana Village, Thunderbird, and on the Cherokee Indian Reservation, as well as many individual homes throughout the county. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at the Townson-smith Chapel.  Reverends Mickey Stewart and J.B. Smith will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Hooper McGuire Cemetery where military rites will be conducted by the NC National Guard Honor Guard.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at the Townson-Smith Chapel.

Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Wilkey family.  An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.