Carl Leslie Blake

Carl Leslie Blake, aged 77, passed away on February 24, 2026 at Novant Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina. Born June 25, 1948 in Wilmington, North Carolina, Carl was the beloved son of Arlena Coston Blake and Joseph Albert Blake.

Carl graduated from New Hanover High School in Wilmington, North Carolina in 1968. ROTC was his favorite subject. He earned an Associate Degree in Drafting and Design from Cape Fear Community College. Carl was a gifted artist and craftsman. He enjoyed pen and ink drawing, revamping house plans for local builders and was skilled in building just about anything out of wood.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Joseph Cecil Blake; two sisters and their husbands, Betty Blake Ward (Eddie) and Eleanor Blake Balcom (Ronald).

Carl is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sharon Fincannon Blake; son, Christopher Brian Blake (Meredith) of Apex, North Carolina; two sisters, Linda Blake Baker (Chuck) of Wilmington and Sheila Blake Ramsey (Richard) of Castle Hayne, and sister-in-law Linda Efird Blake of Wilmington.

He is blessed with many very special nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends. Many have said Carl was the favorite brother, favorite uncle and favorite friend.

Carl served honorably in the United States Army. During the Vietnam War from March 1969 – March 1970, he was the recipient of the National Defense Service Metal, the Vietnam Service Metal with 3 Bronze Service Stars and two Army Commendation Metals “for exceptional meritorious service in support of military operations against communist aggression in the Republic of Vietnam”.

After military service Carl worked for General Electric Nuclear Division for 42 years. He worked in Quality Control and earned the assignment of Quality Systems Coordinator until his retirement in 2014. Carl earned respect and admiration from his colleagues and made lifetime friends at GE.

Carl’s years were filled with enjoyable volunteer roles……coach for Girls Softball at Supper Optimist Park, helping build a BMX track for local youth, years spent with Boy Scouts of America while his son earned the rank of Eagle Scout and traveling numerous miles in his off time to support his son’s passion for cycling and competition. Carl was a devoted family man. Fond memories of Carl will remain forever in our hearts. He was well loved.

Visitation will be 1:00 to 1:30pm on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Coble Funeral Home, 1155 Shipyard Boulevard, Wilmington. Funeral service will be held at 1:30pm in the Coble Chapel by Reverend Leon Baker. Interment will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Carl’s nephews Dwayne Ward, Keith Baker, Scott Baker, Nathan Ramsey, Jonathan Ward and Dade Russell.