Sheriff Blake Lee Dorning, 61, peacefully entered eternal rest on November 14, 2023, at his home in Huntsville, AL surrounded by his loved ones. Born on June 18, 1962 in Harvest, Alabama, to Evelyn Marie Dorning and Wallace Dorning, he spent his early years on the family farm cultivating a profound appreciation for farm and rodeo life. In November 1983, he commenced his career with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office as a jail deputy. A man of strong Christian faith, Sheriff Dorning dedicated over four decades serving the Madison County community through the Sheriff’s Department, retiring in 2019.
Sheriff Dorning’s illustrious four-decade career in the Madison County Sheriff Department spanned roles from overseeing jail operations to becoming a reassuring presence in community patrol and excelling in crime scene investigations. His exceptional leadership journey culminated in his election as the Sheriff of Madison County on January 17, 2003 ushering in a transformative era for the department, serving four terms and holding the longest total time serving the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, totaling 35 years, 1 month, and 18 days.
Beyond his official duties, Sheriff Dorning actively engaged with various committees and boards exemplifying his commitment to community well-being. Notably, he served on the National Sheriffs’ Association Weapons of Mass Destruction Committee and the Chair of the National Sheriff Association Chaplains Committee. Sheriff Dorning graduated from the FBI National Academy session 206, founded the Sheriff’s Department Chaplains Program, and was a board member for organizations such as Leadership Alabama, National Children’s Advocacy Center, and Leadership Huntsville Madison County Class 17. He was a member of the Huntsville First United Methodist Church, past President of the Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society, and Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll volunteer (Leroy Pope and Kibble Harrison). Sheriff Dorning was the American Cancer Society Summer Lights Celebration Gala Honoree in 2016.
Sheriff Dorning’s commitment extended beyond the badge, defining him as a loving husband and father, coach, mentor, and servant of God. His interests included traveling, barbecuing, Alabama football, missionary work, lay speaking, refereeing high school football, metal fabrication, and carpentry. Earlier this year, Sheriff Dorning was able to complete a principal bucket list item by traveling to Israel with his wife Jan. A man of steadfast faith, he stood unwavering in his beliefs until the end. Sheriff Dorning is survived by his wife, Jan Daly Dorning; children Whitney Blake Dorning, Meghin Marie Dorning, and Austin Lee Dorning (fiancé Kayla), parents, Evelyn Marie Dorning, Wallace and Margie Dorning; siblings, Cindy Dorning Shields (Kevin, nephews Tyler and Bryant), Mitchell Daryl Dorning (Elizabeth, nephews Anthony, Mike, Ryan, Evalynne). He was preceded in death by grandparents Roy Lee and Ruth Dorning and Kinney and Evelyn Bryant and in-laws Billy and Doris Daly.
A visitation service will be held at Berryhill Funeral Home on Friday, November 17 from 4pm to 8pm. Sheriff Dorning’s memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the Huntsville First United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 18 at 12pm, located in the Wesley Center on Greene Street in downtown Huntsville. A short visitation will be held at the Wesley Center prior to the services on Saturday starting at 10am ending at 12pm. Burial will follow at Hastings Cemetery in Ardmore, AL. Donations can be made in honor of Sheriff Blake Dorning to the Russell Hill Cancer Foundation online at http://www.russelhill.org/ or mailed to 3601 CCI Drive Huntsville, AL 35805.
Sheriff Dorning leaves a legacy of dedication, leadership, and service to the Madison County community, remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but as a man of God whose impact resonates in the hearts of his loved ones.
Addresses for the locations above are as follows:
Berryhill Funeral Home: 2305 Memorial Parkway NW, Huntsville, AL 35810
Huntsville First United Methodist Church, Wesley Center: 121 Greene St SE, Huntsville, AL 35805
