Richard Gregory Blake Sr.

Richard Gregory Blake Sr., 86, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House.

A memorial service to honor Richard’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, August 16th at St. James United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Joseph Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Richard was born on May 28, 1939, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to the late Russell and Sara Blake. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, where he honorably served his country. Following his military service, Richard dedicated his career to working in quality assurance with civil service.

An avid outdoorsman, Richard cherished his hunting trips and was an active member of four hunting clubs in and around Newport, where he served faithfully as Treasurer for some of those clubs. In his later years, he also enjoyed fishing.

Richard was deeply committed to the Newport community, taking an active role in the annual Newport Pig Cookin’ contest. He proudly served as President of the Babe Ruth Ball Club for many years and enjoyed being an umpire whenever possible. As a faithful member of St. James United Methodist Church, Richard positively impacted his community.

Richard's life was marked by service, community engagement, and a love for the outdoors, and he will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his brothers, William Russell Blake (Brenda Jewell) and Robert Milan Blake (Joan King), all of Newport; daughter-in-law, Samantha Long Blake of Raleigh; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha Blake; son, Richard Gregory Blake Jr.; and brother, Charles Murry Blake.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James United Methodist Church, specifically for the Medical Equipment Ministry, P.O. Box 250, Newport, NC 28570.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.