Howard Blakey, Jr., son of the late Howard Blakey Sr. and Daisy Kenney-Blakey began this life September 5, 1955, in Albermarle, Virginia.  He entered his eternal rest December 16, 2024.  Howard or Junie, as he was affectionately called by those that loved him, was educated in the Greene and Louisa County Public School System. The age of 12 proved to be pivotal for Howard as he moved to Louisa County with his stepfather Jack Taft Taylor -Dandridge.  This move was instrumental because Howard met Joseph "Joe" Coleman who gave him his first job and became a life-long friend.

Howard became smitten with a beautiful young lady who would eventually become his wife, Naomi Thurston.  Love letters didn't do it, Howard used his authority as a bus monitor to write her referrals until she complied. Howard and Naomi "LaVerne" Blakey were joined in holy matrimony on July 2, 1977.  And to that union 5 children were born: Apollos S. Thurston, Lavelle L. Thurston, Howard T. Blakey, Leonard Blakey, and Courtney E. Blakey

Howard was a skilled Cement Mason working for George Hyman and later merging with Clark Construction.

To provide for his family Howard would drive 100 miles one way daily, 5 days a week, for the first 17 years of his career as a cement mason. Leaving his home at 4 am faithfully, his past co- workers often joked, "If no one else showed up, Blakey was going to be there!" He was a member of both the Washington DC Cement Masons, and the DC Laborers Local union. Howard took his job seriously and was great at what he did, which often earned him the opportunity to showcase his skill set on many prestigious projects such as: Tyson corner's phase 2, FBI Headquarters in Clarksburg, WV, Redskins Stadium, USA Today (alongside his son Howard) and his last assignment, the D.C convention center.

Howard attended and was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church as a child. When his health allowed Howard loved attending Miracle Faith Ministries Church in Fredericksburg, Va. and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior on August 6, 2017. He also enjoyed planting large gardens and sharing produce with his family, friends, and strangers alike. And on warm days you would often find him underneath a tree, waving at all the cars that went by. His family and friends will miss him tremendously.

He leaves to cherish his memories; his wife Laverne, children: Lavelle Thurston, Howard (Sharnat), Leonard, and Courtney Blakey. Siblings: Shirley A. Hawkins, Deborah L. Turner, James A. Blakey, and David M. Blakey. A devoted brother-in-law and friend Nathaniel Ragland Sr and a devoted cousin Lee Jones. The highlight of his life was attending the racetrack with Nathan and Saturday morning drives to Yoder's Country store with Lee partaking in all the "goodies" that he shouldn't have. In addition, Howard leaves to mourn his 9 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, neighbors, and friends. Special friends: Carl Coleman, Perry Agee, Dean Agee, Dustin Madison, Willie Lisane, and Will Coleman.

A viewing will be held at Temple of Deliverance, 5756 Zachary Taylor Hwy, Mineral, VA 23117, on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 11:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM.