Clyde Eugene Blake, affectionately known as “Pops” or “Dad”, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24th at his daughter’s home. A long time resident of Sophia, Gene, as he liked to call himself, was born on March 16th, 1935 to Clyde and Irene (Comer) Blake. Gene enjoyed sharing his passion for the outdoors through camping and fishing with his family, kids and grandkids.  He will forever be remembered as a simple Christian man, devoted to God, an avid churchgoer and a member of Calloway Heights Baptist Church.  With his smile that lit up a room and his infectious laugh that had others rolling, he was always fun to be around.

Survived and cherished by his son Alan and his wife Wendy, his daughter Tammi Connard, and his grandchildren Landon, Sophia, Tristan and Tegan. Gene will be missed by his sister Loretta Graham, his sister-in-law Sue Blake, as well as his many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Irene, his wife Jackie, his sister Brenda Ellison, his brothers Roger Blake and David Blake, brother-in-law James Ellison, brother-in-law Philip Graham, and beloved son-in-law, Timothy Connard.

Dedicated to providing for his family, Gene became a newspaper man, starting at the Fayette Tribune in Oak Hill. He then moved to the Beckley Newspaper where he worked for 30 years and retired.  In this retirement, many neighbors and friends would see Gene doing one of his favorite hobbies–piddlin’.  He loved woodworking, working on cars and fixin’ stuff. If he couldn’t fix it right, he would fix it with duct tape.

Gene will be remembered on Tuesday, July 1st at 1pm at Melton Mortuary with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service.  Flowers may be sent to Melton Mortuary at 1200 Harper Road, Beckley or donations can be sent to Hospice of Southern West Virginia.