Paul A. Blakley, age 85, of Lehigh Acres, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Kentucky on October 2, 1941, to Andrew and Delsie Blakley. On March 31, 1962, he married the love of his life, Eva Pauline Hembree, with whom he shared 64 wonderful years of marriage.
Paul worked in the coal mines before later pursuing a career as an automotive mechanic. He loved traveling to Kentucky in his RV. He enjoyed the beauty of the mountains, watching NASCAR, building model cars, and collecting antique automobiles. Above all, Paul cherished his family and the time he spent with those he loved.
Paul is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Pauline; his children, Brenda (Roger) Barger, Mary Mills, and Paul Wayne (Deborah) Blakley; his grandchildren, Jessica (Andy) Flint, Chad Andrew (Ashley Leslie) Barger, Heather (Michael) Mitzel, Jonathan Mills, Brian Blakley, Amanda (Trakwon) Blakley, Jason Estrada, and Jessie Estrada; and his great-grandchildren, Austin, Ashlyn, Addysn, Landon, Wyatt, Raelynn, Theon, Hunter, Bryson, Brayson, and Brody. He is also survived by his nephews, James (Becky) Blakley, Johnny Edwards, and David Edwards; and his beloved fur baby, Max.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, John, Amanda, Nola, Pat, and Jean; his son-in-law, Jimmy Mills and niece Frances Edwards.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 2, at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, located at 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, Florida, from 12:00 p.m. until the funeral service begins at 1:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery.
Paul will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
