O.J. Blakey

Arlington -- O.J. Blakey, 82, went to be with the Lord Jesus on Sunday morning, Jan. 27, 2013. Celebration of life: 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 8, at Tate Springs Baptist Church, 4201 Little Road, Arlington. Interment: 1:15 p.m. in Dallas-Fort National Cemetery Visitation: The family will receive friends 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 West Pioneer Pkwy., Arlington. Memorials: Contributions in memory of O.J. may be made to Tate Springs Christian School, 4001 Little Road, Arlington, Texas 76016; or Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301. O.J. was born Aug. 6, 1930, in Savoy to Earl and Inez Blakey. He graduated from Savoy High School in 1947. He received his bachelor's degree in vocational agriculture from East Texas State University in 1951 and did postgraduate work in educational psychology at Midwestern State University. He served honorably and heroically as an airman first class, USAF, during the Korean War; much of his time spent behind enemy lines. Following an honorable discharge from the USAF, he excelled for 10 years as an Air Force civilian engineer at Shepard Air Force Base focused on projects associated with the Sputnik crisis and resulting race to space. O.J. then began a 31-year career as an engineering program manager for LTV/Loral/Lockheed Martin in Grand Prairie. His work on multiple weapons projects during his tenure contributed to the safety and security of our country during the Cold War. O.J. was a lifelong Christian and devoted church member, known for his tireless service. He was a 23-year member of Tate Springs Baptist Church, where he served as deacon chairman, trustee, Sunday school teacher, finance and drama committee member and Vacation Bible School teacher. His talents as a teacher were well regarded for his ability to bring the scripture to life, make the Word relevant for today and challenge his fellow man to follow the Gospel. He touched too many lives to count. O.J. was a devoted husband, sibling, father and grandfather, leaving a legacy of always giving of his love, time, talents, gifts and service. A farm boy at heart, he was happy on his ranch where he used the lessons of his youth and education to enjoy and preserve God's great outdoors. He shared his passion and experiences of farm life with family and friends as a means to teach life's lessons to us all. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Billy Ruth and Kathryn; and brother, Tom. Survivors: Anne Blakey, his loving wife of 30 years; sons and their wives, Jay and Kim Blakey of Keller, James and Monica Blakey of Charlotte, Ross and Melody McMichael of Mansfield; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kaleb, Lauren, Will, Olivia and Kenedy Ann; along with many friends, colleagues and fellow Christians.