William “Bill” Blake was born June 9, 1945 in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Buster and
Catherine Blake. Both of whom preceded him in death. The Blakes relocated to
Chicago when Bill was a young child. Bill was also preceded in death by his
sister Dr. Ernestine Riggs.
“Bill”, as he was affectionately called, accepted Christ at an early age and was
raised Baptist.
Bill was educated in the Chicago Public School system and also attended the
Loop Junior College. Afterwards, Bill joined the United States Marine Corp and
served for 10 years before he was honorably discharged. Bill held various jobs
including Amtrack Railroad switchman, Chicago Police Officer, and Brinks
Amored Car driver.
Bill departed this life on the afternoon of March 23, 2021.
Bill leaves to mourn his passing: Wife, Sharon Blake of 46 years; one son,
Vincent E. Blake of Minneapolis; two daughters, Scherrolynn Watkins and
Schellyce O’Neal (Terrence); one son-in-law, Corey Brown; three granddaughters,
Courtney Brown, Erikka Warfield, and Debra Glaspie; two grandsons, Terrence
O’Neal Jr and Noah O’Neal; one brother, Bobby Blake; two sisters-in-law,
Nannette Watkins and Alora Christon (Glen); nine nieces and four nephews; a
special nephew, Darnell Campbell; best friend, Lawrence Reaves (LaRhonda); and
a host of other family members and special friends.
I am learning how to live in a new way
Since that day you were taken away.
I am learning how to live by embracing the pain
Knowing that you live on through the memories that remain.
I am learning how to live knowing I will never again see your face
And I have peace knowing you’re in a better place.
I am learning how to live knowing you’re in God’s care
It gives me the strength to move on,
and makes the pain much easier to bear.
~Love Always, Your Baby Girl
Grandad,
You were such a special man to me.
You were the best grandfather a girl could ever have.
Now that you’re gone, I promise I’ll make you very proud.
P.S. I’ll drink a Pepsi for you and give the dogs a lollipop stick.
~Love to you always, Mookie
Grandad,
It’s very hard to say goodbye to you,
I know that heaven is a beautiful place because they have you.
You were the most amazing person and I will love you forever.
~Your Granddaughter, Debra
I close my eyes and see your face
Smiling at me from a beautiful place.
You tell me you are never far away,
And that we will meet again someday.
I ask if you could stay a while
I miss your laughter, I miss your smile.
Then you whisper sweetly into my ear
“I never left you…I’m always here.”
Loving you forever,
~You wife, Sharon
Daddy, you were the light of my life.
You and mom raised me to be a strong woman.
You’ve always been there for me when I needed you,
for whatever reason…you were there.
I’ll always remember your laughter and your smile.
There are so many memories for me to look back on
and smile now that you’re gone.
I know that you are not suffering and although I cry,
my tears will stop and I’ll smile so bright,
because you, Daddy, are my light.
~Loving you always, Toni
Saturday, April 3, 2021
Visitation: 12:00 p.m. Service: 12:30 p.m.
Smith and Thomas Funeral Home
5708 W. Madison St. Chicago, Illinois 60644
Ministers Andre & Sharon Moore, Offi ciating
Musical Prelude ............................... Minister Reginald McEastland, Organist
Processional ............................................................................ The Family
Invocation .............................................................. Minister Andre Moore
Prayer .................................................................... Minister Andre Moore
Selection........................................................................ Mr. Rufus Carter
Acknowledgements ................................................................................
Remarks ............................................................................. 2 min. please
Selection...................................................................... Mrs. Marilyn Sims
Obituary Reading ..................................................... Ms. Michelle Watkins
Eulogy .................................................................. Minister Sharon Moore
Benediction ................................................................................ Minister
Reviewal ...............................................................................................
Recessional ............................................................................ The Family