Raymond Blake

Raymond Milton Blake, age 82, of Topping, VA passed away at home peacefully on Thursday, April 10, 2014.  He was a retired iron worker for Natkin Corporation.  He was a devoted member of Harmony Grove Baptist Church where he was a member of the choir.  Milton was an Army Korean War veteran.  He enjoyed baseball and was a little league coach.  Being a native of Middlesex, crabbing and fishing were his hobbies enjoyed by him with family.  He was a member of the local waterman’s association and was predeceased by his parents, Minnie Lee Heath and Raymond Jeter Blake, brothers, William and Creswell; sisters, Phyllis Bray, Betty Shelton and Corinne Bartle.  Milton is survived by his wife of sixty years, Shirley F. Blake; three sons, David and his wife Joyce, Gary and his wife Sheri, and Tim and his wife Dana.  Five grandchildren, Trey, Traci, Jenny, Chris and Katie; seven great grandchildren, Chelsi, Cheyenne, Sarah, Samantha, Will, Allison and Matthew.  Also surviving are his  sister, Emily Chowning, and his brother, Melvin Blake.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 19, 2014 at 11:00AM in Harmony Grove Baptist Church, Topping. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service

at the church.  Memorial gifts may be made to Middlesex County Little League, PO Box 125, Saluda, VA 23149.  Arrangements by Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Saluda.