With sadness in their hearts the family of Orvel Lee “Bud” Blakely announces the death of their beloved father and grandfather. Bud passed away Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Marshall Medical Center North at the age of 89. He was born in Cullman County, Alabama May 28, 1935 son of Finnis E. Blakely and Ludie Virginia Kelsoe Blakely. He was married to Mary Ann Hardin Blakely, who has preceded him in death. Bud and his family have been residents of Arab for over 65 years after relocating from Cullman County in 1959. He was a member of New Canaan Baptist Church.
Bud was a public servant at heart. He was employed by the City of Arab where he served as the Public Works Director for almost 30 years. He took his responsibility seriously when it came to street maintenance, traffic control, and infrastructure maintenance. During his career he also worked with the Ambulance Department and served as a Lieutenant with the Arab Fire Department. After his retirement from the city he saw a community need and was founder of the Blakely Grave Digging Service. He also found time to do a little truck farming. In Bud’s younger years he could be found outside with his beagles and hunting rabbits.
Bud is survived by his sons and daughters in law, Tommy W. and Annette Blakely and Randy L. and Donna Blakely; grandchildren, Buddy W. Blakely (Karon), Keith Tolton (Amy) and Gertie Cook (J.D.); great grandchildren, Samantha Daniel (Tyler), Taylor Blakely, Hunter Blakely, Braxton Lamb, Kendyll Lamb, Addyson Lamb, Seanna Tolton, and Mollie Tolton; and great great grandchildren, Wayland Holt Blakely and Holten Wayne Daniel.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Blakely; parents, Finnis and Ludie Blakely; brother, James Blakely; sisters, Delora Page, Elnora Conn, Florene Gaddis, and Annie Miller.
Services for Bud are planned for Monday, September 9, 2024 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. The family will receive friends and guest for a visitation time between the hours of 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm. The funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 with Brother Randy Evers and Brother Jerry Burgett officiating. Pallbearers escorting Bud to his final resting place in Arab Memorial Cemetery will be Buddy Blakely, Taylor Blakely, Hunter Blakely, Samantha Blakely Daniel, Keith Tolton, Braxton Lamb, Gary Murphree and Tyler Daniel. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Frank Bartko, Wayne Bunch, Kaye Gibbs, Bob Mercer, James McKinney, Ricky Lang, Ronny Stone and Billy Bentley.
Arrangements entrusted to Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel
