BLAKELY John David “J.D.” Blakely, 49, passed away on Thursday April 9, 2009 after a long and courageous battle. “JD” was born in Neptune, New Jersey . He attended schools in Cherokee, North Carolina. He was a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. Mr. Blakely moved to Jacksonville over 33 years ago and was employed for many years by Sysco Food Services. “JD” is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Susan; his mother, Lily May Tucker (Bill); daughters, Stephanie Whetsell (Eric) and Jessica Blakely; sons Brandon Hernandez and Coty Blakely; a brother, Noel Blakely (Carla); and many other wonderful relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM on Monday April 13, 2009 at Holiday Hill Baptist Church, 730 Mandalay Rd. Jacksonville , FL 32216 with Dr. Albert Byrd officiating. Another memorial service and committal will be held at 4:00 PM on Friday April 17, 2009, at Wrights Creek Baptist Church in Cherokee, North Carolina . In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials in JD’s name to the Holiday Hill Baptist Church .
