Paul Blake

Paul Blake was born on September 30, 1953, and peacefully went to be with the Lord on January 29, 2026. He was home surrounded by his family and the love of his family abroad. Paul was born in Christchurch Hampshire England to Evelyn and Thomas Blake. He attended school at Southbroom Secondary Modern School in Devizes. At the age of 15 ½ he joined the Royal Navy as a boy seaman. By age 18, as a young Leading Seaman, he was specially selected to serve aboard Her Majesty’s Royal Yacht Britannia. Paul’s naval career was exemplary. He was promoted to Warrant Officer Master at Arms, becoming the youngest person to achieve the rank at the time. (JOSSMAN)

Paul served in the Royal Navy for 32 years, traveling extensively throughout the world. He was admired, respected, and looked up to by all who knew him. He had many adventures and loved sharing his sea stories. His service was recognized with several honors, including the Yugoslav Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. His annual report from the final Admiral under whom he served praised his thorough professionalism, exceptional quality, and unreserved trust and admiration-sentiments echoed in all prior reports. Paul was held in the highest esteem.

In 2000, Paul moved to America to marry Linda and began a new career with Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. He came to ECI with a wealth of experience and advanced through the ranks of a correctional officer 1 to correctional officer Major. He mentored many officers during his tenure. One special colleague noted he taught them the importance of taking time in their day for “a spot of tea” to calm your nerves and then get on with the tasks at hand. Paul was recognized for Meritorious Service to the Maryland Division of Corrections and Eastern Shore Correctional Institute.

Paul was known for his sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh. He took great pleasure in helping friends and family with whatever was needed. He loved a fun project like building a dock. He loved eating out and playing games with friends that became family. Paul was active in the community and his church. Paul was loved by his Church family, who prayed for him around the clock during his battle with cancer.

After retirement, Paul was able to make extended visits back to England, spending cherished time with his family. He was an amazing Dad and Pop Pop. He loved his boys with all his heart. Family always came first. He was a kind and devoted husband who is loved dearly and will be deeply missed. In Paul’s words “we had some good miles together.” It was my privilege to walk this journey with you Paul.

In retirement, Paul took up cycling and found great joy riding his bike, Zoomer, through the countryside. He rode 25 to 30 miles several times a week. He was also an avid glider pilot for many years.

Paul is survived by his wife, Linda; stepson, Adam; sons, Andrew (Becky), Alex (Jenna); grandchildren, Finley, Freya, Austin, and Imogen; and the boy’s mother, Mari Prout; sister, Anne Tucker and nephew, Steve; brother, Phil Blake (Jeanette) and nephew, James. Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn and brothers, Derek and Glyn. Paul is also survived by his dog, Willie who was his constant loving companion.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at Nelson’s Church at a later date.

Visit www.boundsfunerlhome.com to share stories and memories with the family.