Ernest Blakely

HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI Ernest Bester Blakely, our beloved Bunk, has gone to his heavenly home. Born on September 16, 1929, and died on November 2nd, 2018. He is survived by his sons, Mike Blakely (Ranna), Barry Blakely (Susan) and three grandsons, John, Shawn and Barrett as well as his nephew, Johnny Blakely, who he loved like his own son. He was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to Leota and John Blakely and was the 8th of 9 siblings: Frank, Jim, Lenora, Bill, Helen, Katherine, Leota and Sybil. He was a hardworking youngster, selling papers at Camp Shelby during WWII. He graduated from Hattiesburg High School in 1947 where he played football and made All Big 8 conference selection all four years. He married Mary Ann Gay in 1948. He went into the United States Army and served during the Korean War. He worked for United Gas Pipeline for over 40 years. 20 of those years he spent in Mobile where he raised his two sons. He was a Boy Scout Leader, Building Grounds Chairman, as well as a deacon at Springhill Baptist. He returned to Hattiesburg, where he retired. There in Hattiesburg he was a member of Main Street Baptist Church. He and Mary Ann were married 66 amazing years before she went home to be with Lord. We are thankful for this precious man and the wonderful life he lived. His love for friends and family will be a lasting legacy to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. Services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Tuesday, November 6th with visitation beginning at 9:30 A.M. at Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home in Hattiesburg. Interment will be in Highland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at 8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 400, McLean, VA 22102. "A life lived with integrity - even if it lacks the trappings of fame and fortune is a shining star whose light others may follow in the years to come" - Denis Waitley