Mr. John "Jack" M. Blakney, age 86, of Alpharetta, Georgia passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023 with his family by his side. John was born on February 26, 1936 in Royal Oak, Michigan, the son to the late Sidney Harold Blakney and Grace Irene Blakney.
John moved to the Orlando and Tampa areas as a young child. He settled in Tampa, where he married the love of his life, Gloria. The marriage was blessed with two children, Terri and Dianna. John and Gloria loved each other and enjoyed sharing precious moments, family adventures and vacations together.
John was a man of deep faith and acknowledged the Lord in his life. He attended Tampa First Church of the Nazarene until he and Gloria moved to Alpharetta. He always gave honor to God. He testified of being healed of Guillain-Barre syndrome in 1981 and even claimed healing near the end of his life.
John was a sergeant in the Army National Guard, 116th Field Artillery Battalion, from 1953-1963, serving as Cannoneer and Battery Supply Sergeant. Lt. Col. Kennedy C. Bullard, Arty, FARNG Commanding, wrote of John upon receiving the Award of Florida Commendation Ribbon: "Sergeant Blakney immediately applied himself to the problems of reorganization and the associated problems of the new assignment. As a result of his efforts and devotion to duty, his unit has continuously received superior ratings in the field of supply and maintenance." He also stated, "Particularly noteworthy was the action of Sergeant Blakney at ANACDUTRA (1961 and 1962). During these periods his loyal, zealous and imaginative efforts greatly affected the members of this command and he alone stood out as the one individual who contributed the majority of initiative and drive which resulted in attainment of Superior ratings by his unit." John received an honorable discharge in March of 1963. His family is very proud of his service.
Always a family man, John enjoyed camping in his camper with his family. Disneyworld and the Smoky Mountains were a couple of his favorite places to camp and enjoy the outdoors. His delicious camp breakfasts will long be remembered. His enthusiasm for life, his positive spirit and desire to be a peacemaker will always be remembered.
John was a die-hard Tampa Bay Bucs fan!!! He and Gloria held season tickets during the late 70's. Even after moving to the Atlanta area in his senior years, he loved the Buccaneers and was very proud of their Super Bowl wins.
John had a special way of connecting with people and he touched many lives. He was always friendly and treated others with respect. He always looked at the happy side of life. He had a tremendous knack for making his family laugh, even when he wasn't trying to do so. His influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew him.
Along with his parents, John is preceded in death by his four half-siblings, Louis, Wilbur, Ernie, and Dorothy.
He is survived by his wife Gloria, sister Margaret (Jim), stepson Carl, daughters Terri (Bryan) and Dianna (James), 8 grandchildren (Aaron, Daniela, John, Michael (Kathleen), Gregory, Sydney, Gillian, Mac), 3 great-grandchildren (Jolee, Julian, Jensen), and many friends.
There will be a private family memorial for John at his home in Alpharetta, Georgia on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Many thanks to Northside Chapel at 12050 Crabapple Rd. Roswell, Georgia.
Please visit www.northsidechapel.com to share memories and leave condolences to the family.