Roy Davis Blakeney

Roy Davis Blakeney of Laurel, MS, passed away on August 1, 2024, at the age of 78. A devoted husband, father, grandfather (Paw Paw) and great-grandfather, Roy was cherished by his family and respected by all who knew him. Born on October 31, 1945, in Sylvarena, MS, Roy was the son of the late Earl B. Blakeney and Gladys M. Blakeney. Roy is survived by his wife and best friend, Grace Helen Burger Blakeney. They were married on April 13, 1965, and enjoyed 59 years of a strong and happy marriage. Their love story began with a kiss during a game of spin the bottle, and they remained deeply connected throughout their lives. Together, they raised four wonderful children, and were blessed with ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Roy held a master’s degree in electrical engineering and worked on significant projects around the world, including the Cancer Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the World Trade Centers in New York City. After a distinguished career, he retired from South Texas Nuclear Power Plant near Bay City, Texas, where he worked for 25 years. Roy was also a retired member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 480. Roy was known for his hard work and generosity, often going above and beyond to support his family and friends. He had exceptional carpentry skills and was capable of building just about anything. His passion for fishing was well-known, and he took great pleasure in sharing his “big” catches. He was known for his quick wit, often cracking jokes and making up songs on the spot. He also loved to challenge his sons and grandsons to playful handshake wars. His kids definitely knew of his ”steel finger” he had. Evenings were often spent watching his favorite Astros baseball team, a highlight of his day. Roy’s love for his family was profound, and he will be deeply missed. Roy was preceded in death by his siblings Bobbie Hartman, Louise Ford, Mack Blakeney, Tony Blakeney, and Mitchell Blakeney, as well as his daughter Grace Michelle Blakeney Stout (David). He is survived by his beloved wife, Grace Helen Burger Blakeney; his brother Charles Blakeney; his sisters Betty Moss (JB), Annette Parker, and Gina Jordan; his children Roy Lynn Blakeney (Nancy), Timothy Davis Blakeney (Wanda), and Helen Renee Haines (Bill); his grandchildren Clayton, Leslie (Alan), Matthew, Jeffrey, Joshua, Kathleen (James), Bethany, Kimberly (Joseph), Jacob (Kaitlyn), and Krystal (Cameron); and his great-grandchildren Gloria, Kyden, Brayden, Liam, and Yunalesca. Pallbearers will be Matthew Blakeney, Jeffrey Blakeney, Joshua Blakeney, Clayton Johnston, Jacob Haines, Joseph Bautista, James Collier, Cameron East, and Jason Burger. Services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Sharon on Thursday, August 8, 2024, officiated by Pastor Matt Olson. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Florence Cemetery in Sandersville, MS. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Roy Davis Blakeney

October 31, 1945 - August 1, 2024