Bobby F. Blakely, Sr.

Mr. Bobby Francis Blakely, Sr., age 90, of Columbia, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023 at the Dorn VA Hospital in Columbia. Mr. Blakely was first married to the late Joyce Garner Blakely for 57 years and later to the late Jewel Lee Blakely for 5 years.

Mr. Blakely was born in Kings Mountain, NC, April 22, 1932, a son of the late John W. Blakely, Sr. and Lucille Gallman Blakely. He was raised in Union and attended Union High School.

Mr. Blakely was retired after 21 years in the US Army. He served in the Korean War and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Silver Star for his service. After the military, he was employed with Rockwell International for 20 years. He was a member of the Dentsville Masonic Lodge #398 and a member of North Trenholm Baptist Church. Mr. Blakely was an avid Gamecock fan.

Surviving are a son, Bobby F. Blakely and wife Nancy of Columbia; a sister, Patricia Pate of Hilton Head; three granddaughters, Tamala Mooneyhan and husband Jon, Heather Powers and husband Daniel and Jessica Backman and husband Dan; six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Grace Smith and Evelyn Johnson and a brother, John W. Blakely, Jr.

The family would like to say a special Thank You to his breakfast buddies at Bojangles and the Lizards Thicket for their friendship over the years.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at the S.R. Holcombe Funeral Chapel conducted by Rev. Joe Copeland. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Union Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the funeral home prior to the service. The family ask that those attending please wear casual attire to show support for your favorite football team.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Whitten Center Parent's Club, Attn: Lydia Howell, 10 Meadow Mist Trail, Greer, SC 29650.