James Reed Blakeney

James Reed Blakeney 90, of Social Circle, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2019 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Reform, Alabama to the late Lee Boyd and Amelia Godfrey Blakeney. James Reed Blakeney grew up on a farm in Alabama, picking cotton by hand from early childhood to age 19. Attending college on a scholarship, he eloped with his sweetheart of three weeks, Donna Rosalie Braddy. They were married for 51 years and raised four daughters. They started their own medical gas business in 1972, and Reed continued to certify medical gas systems until the day he fell ill, just two months short of his 91st birthday. Reed had many occupations during his lifetime. He was a teacher, principal, vice president of several companies, and a business owner. He was a man of many talents – – an author, a painter, a public speaker. His passion was writing and he published two novels, Sipsey and Mulberry Summer, and a compilation of his poems called Cotton Fields. He was the beloved grandfather of eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Widowed at the age of 70, he was fortunate to meet Penelope Hale, who brought hope and joy into his life again. They married in 2002. Reed and Penny were very active in their church and community. They were particularly active in the Covington Elks club, where they met. Over the years Reed served in such offices as local Exalted Ruler, and Chaplain for the local Elks club and the state organization. As busy as he was, he never missed a birthday, holiday, or a special lunch or dinner with his family. He loved sitting on his back porch with Penny and their dogs in the evening, drinking a Jack and Coke and listening to music or sharing stories. Reed wanted to continue taking care of all of his family, but that it wasn’t in God‘s master plan. Reed died peacefully in his own home, as he wished, with a slight, contented smile on his face. Reed was predeceased by wife Donna (Braddy) Blakeney; parents Lee Boyd Blakeney and Amelia (Godfrey) Blakeney; and siblings Grady, Glennie, Linnie, Duin, Graves, Gracie, Durell, Laudice, and Robert. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Penny Hale Blakeney, his daughters and sons-in-law, Deborah Jones, Diana Bradford (Craig), Reida Blakeney-Burnette (Barry), Rhonda Blakeney-Jordan (Alan); grandchildren, Jamilyn, Brian (Rachel), Stefanie, Jessica, Kristen (Andy), Keri (Zac), Alana, Jillian; great-grandchildren, Lily, Micah, Cayden, Chase, Ella, Kinley, Banks, Olivia, sister Montie Dye (Jim), and many other loving family members. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 7:00pm at Wheeler Funeral and Cremation Services, 11405 Brown Bridge Rd, Covington, with Regan Williams and Roderick Williams officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at 2:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Covington located at 1169 Clark St SW, Covington, GA 30014 with Rev. Steven Barnes officiating. Online condolence can be made at www.wheelerfuneralhome.com.