Douglas Jackson Blackley

With great sorrow, we share the news of Doug's passing on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at his home in Raleigh. He was born in Durham, North Carolina to the late Wilmore and Donnie Blackley on October 29, 1944.

Anyone who knew Doug would agree that he was extremely strong willed. That quality served him well as he excelled in many things throughout his lifetime. His greatest achievement was raising his children, Sven and Anya. He loved them both so much and was quick to express to anyone how proud he was that they had both grown into such capable and successful adults. His granddaughter, Kimberly held a special place in his heart as well.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force and said he was fortunate to have been stationed in Hawaii and enjoyed his time in the military. He attended Wingate College, UNC at Chapel Hill and NC State University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from NC State University. He worked as an Engineer for years but left that field to start his own business which he ran successfully for more than 30 years before retiring. He enjoyed spending time at the beach, mostly in South Carolina or Florida. He was particular about which beaches he liked and especially did not care for the beaches in Virginia.

He combined his love of the ocean and watching the sun rise over the water with his hobby of photography and has taken some amazing photographs, many of which he had printed and framed for display. When he was not physically at the beach, he watched a live stream of the Myrtle Beach sunrise almost every morning. He thought the sound of a jet flying overhead was one of the best sounds ever and could tell you any detail about any jet. Same with automobiles, he could identify any automobile that he saw, in person or in picture and could tell you the make, model and what years it was produced. He used that strong will of his to always push forward, to love deeply and to live a great life.

Doug is survived by his Wife, Sonya Blackley; Children, Sven Blackley and his Wife, Alison, Anya Blackley; Granddaughter, Kimberly; Sister, Linda Roberts and her Husband, William (Bill); Several Nephews and Nieces. He was preceded in death by his Sister, Shirley Kendrick.

In Lieu of Flowers, contributions to Wounded Warriors would be appreciated as Doug was a strong proponent of the Wounded Warriors Project.

A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, November 9, 2023, in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh.

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