Billy Harold Blake 77, of Zephyrhills, Florida, and formerly of Midland, died Thursday, February 28, 2008 at the Hernando Pasco Hospice in Dade City, Florida. Billy was born December 7, 1930 in Shepherd, son of the late Clifford H. and Grace (Wagner) Blake. Billy had retired from the Dow Chemical Company as a researcher after 31 years of service. On July 21, 1950 he married the former Arlene ‘Ivah’ Abbott. He had been active in Midland Little League serving as past president and had served on the Board of Directors of the Sleepyhollow Park, in Zephyrhills. Billy was an avid golfer and enjoyed bowling, basketball, curling and baseball. He is survived by his wife Ivah and children, Jean and Ed Burriss of Lubbock, TX, Clifford and Ann Blake of Hope, Douglas and Susan Blake of Midland, Richard and Christine Blake of Coleman; 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; sisters June Buckley, Cyrstal Sturk, and Peggy Meininger. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Vaughn Blake.

SERVICES
Private family graveside services are scheduled to take place in Midland Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care of the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Directors.