Service Announcements

Mr. Gerald Rudolph  Blakeney 75 of Charlotte,NC  passed away September 5 ,2016 at Greenville  Memorial Hospital, Greenville, SC.Funeral service  will be held Saturday September 10, 2016 at Greater Gethsemane AME Zion Church 531 Campus St. Charlotte, NC 28216. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am and the service will follow at 12:00 pm. Military rites and interment will be at Oaklawn Cemetery.

When one thinks of the words “father”, “husband”, “brother”, and “friend”, one would be hard pressed to think of a better example compared to Gerald Blakeney.  He was the very embodiment of a wise teaching parent, instilling in his children an appreciation of the character and qualities needed to navigate life’s obstacles.  He was available to listen at a moment’s notice and a strong supporter of their ambitions/goals in life.  He was a tower of strength, love, and compassion for his wife, Joyce, and shared thirty-four years of loyal commitment to each other centered on the establishment and maintenance of a wholesome household and nurturing and developing of two happy children.

Gerald was a friendly individual who gladly engage you in a compelling conversation.  Topics could range from weather to sports, upcoming plans about real estate, politics, or current events.  Although, his favorite topic to talk about was his sons; who he was so proud of and attributed all their accomplishments to their Mother and her relentless effort.  Gerald was a storyteller and often included an amusing anecdote or one of his signature jokes in a conversation.  He wouldn’t hesitate to offer his service, a personal possession, or advice to anyone he encountered.  It is with deepest reverence that we revisit the life of this remarkable and beloved man.

Gerald Blakeney was born on July 30th, 1941 in Charlotte, North Carolina to Lewis and Luvenia Blakeney.   As their youngest son he observed the importance of unwavering support and unrelenting effort that maintained a strong family unit.  His older brother Lewis Henry was an extremely gifted trailblazer that made following in his footsteps a daunting task.  However, once obstacles in life emerged and circumstances changed; Gerald assumed the role of “head of the household” and supported the family in every way possible.

As a young man, Gerald graduated from Johnson C. Smith University and moved to Norfolk, Virginia to become a teacher.  This is where he got his start as an educator and began to shape young minds.  He always believed that every individual should have one great adventure in life.  In November of 1969, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard where he counseled young men during their service to the country.  This experience allowed him to travel, acquire a Master’s Degree from NYU, and meet people from all different walks of life which shaped his world view.

After Gerald’s time in the Coast Guard, he returned home to Charlotte and began working for his Alma mater as part of their “Upward Bound” program.  He was soon introduced to the love of his life, Joyce Pressley and they were married in 1982.  They would be blessed with two sons in the years following.

Gerald’s final career path involved working for Mecklenburg County as a social worker for twenty years.  This was his most fulfilling occupation because he was able to assist countless families in their time of need.  This gave him perspective on what was truly valuable in life and he shared his appreciation for his family every day of his life.

In retirement, Gerald spent his free time tending to his rental properties, conversing with past and recent friends at Bojangles, singing in the choir, and conducting meetings as the President of West Charlotte’s Class of ’59.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Joyce Pressley Blakeney; two sons: Justin Blakeney of Charlotte, North Carolina and Colin Blakeney (Jasmine) of Providence, Rhode Island.

His family can take solace in knowing that he is now reunited with his own inspirational parents and brother in Heaven regaling them with the stories of his life after their departure.