Francis Anthony "Tony" Blakey

Francis Anthony (Tony) Blakey, age 53, died on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, in St. Charles, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Albany, GA on  Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 2:00 PM, with a reception to follow in the parish hall. The interment will be private.

A southwest Georgia native, he was born on July 8, 1969, in Albany, Georgia, to the late Anne (Petch) Blakey and Theodore Becker Blakey. Tony grew up in Albany, Georgia, and after graduating from Dougherty Com-prehensive High School enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served as a re specialist on the USS Austin and was honorably discharged. He remained on Reserve Duty until 1997.Tony was known for his intellect, integrity, and devotion to his family:  his wife of 27 years, Kathy (née Brunson), whom he met his freshman year of college, and their three sons Jacob, Colin and Cole.

Tony graduated from Valdosta State University in 1994, and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1997. The godson of Helen Rohrs, former Dougherty County probate court judge, he was introduced to Walter Kelley in 1987. During term breaks in his college years, he worked as an assistant at Walter’s law firm, and never left. He eventually become a partner in the expanded firm of Kelley, Lovett, Blakey, and Sanders, P.C., where he practiced law for 27 years as a bankruptcy attorney. His career was motivated by a concern for the financially distressed who were often marginalized by systems and society. Tony was an advocate for his clients and served as pro bono counsel on many non-bankruptcy matters.

Tony was involved in the civic and church activities of his community.  A Boy Scout leader for over 15 years, he invested count-less hours in the lives of many local young men, serving through the years as Scout Master, District Chairman, and Council President of the Boy Scouts of America, South Georgia Council. While Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 15 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, he proudly saw his three sons achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. A dedicated member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, he served as a lay reader, acolyte trainer, vestry member and Lay Eucharistic Minister.  Tony was a member and Past Master of Dougherty Masonic Lodge #591 for 17 years, holding multiple offices and supporting his community through their efforts.

He was a lifelong learner and lover of books and music.  His tastes were diverse, and he greatly enjoyed discovering new authors and musicians. He loved the history of his English heritage and had a passion for Celtic music and British pubs. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hiking, kayaking and boating, quail hunting, and off-road adventuring, including an excursion to the Philmont Scout Ranch.  A runner for many years, he completed multiple half and full marathons but especially enjoyed “tough mudder” type races; he often completed these with his sons.  He will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, ability to tell a good story, and modesty regard-ing his achievements.

Survivors include: his wife, Kathy; his three sons, Jacob, Colin, and Cole;  sisters Deborah Blakey of Tifton, GA, Christina Strassenberg (Kurt) of Albany, GA, Jacqueline Blakey (Alfred) of Canton, GA, and Margaret (Meg) Mims of Albany, GA; brothers-in-law Robert Brunson (Michelle) of Damascus , Ricky Brun-son (Linda) of Quitman, GA; uncle Gerald Harrington Petch of Pockling-ton, England and aunt Choi Ling Blakey of Brooklyn, NY; cousins Adam Petch of St. Jean de Paracol, France, Rupert Petch of Pocklington, England, Jameson Blakey and Samuel Blakey of Brooklyn, NY and Daniel Blakey of Boston,  MA; nephews Robert Mims of Tifton, GA, Brady Brunson and Hayden Brunson of Damascus, GA, nieces Haylee Brunson of Damascus, GA and Kath-leen Jacobsen of Canton, GA., and  Caleb and Daniel Brunson of Quitman, GA.

Donations may be made to the South Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America or to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church- Barney’s Run for Warriors.