Ronald L. Blake passed away peacefully at HCA Ocala Regional Hospital at 12:15 pm, on Thursday, July 17, 2025, after a brief stay.

Ron was born in Stonefort, Illinois, on August 15, 1940, to the late Lester and Evelyn Kennedy Blake. He was the younger of two children, growing up in Murphysboro, IL, alongside his brother Lee Blake, who also proceeded him in death. Though life would take him many places – from Nokomis, Edwardsville, and Bartlett in Illinois, to Waco, Hearne, and Waxahachie in Texas, before he settled into retirement in Summerfield, Florida, in 2000 – he remained a Southern Illinoisan at heart. He spoke fondly of his upbringing, of cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals, and always following the careers of local athletes and musicians throughout his life.

Ron was a master of people and hard work. He began his career with P.N. Hirsch & Co in the 1960s and continued in managerial positions with Walmart from 1974 until his retirement in 1998. One sale always brought a smile to his face: in the mid-60s, while at P.N. Hirsch in Nokomis, he sold new curtains to a young Beverly Alfrejd and her college classmate Judy Robinson, who were beginning their teaching careers. That custom order proved to be fateful, as Ron and Bev wed in 1973 and shared 49 wonderful years together until Bev's passing in 2022.

From a young age, Ron loved sports. He was a passionate basketball fan, following and attending countless games, from high school tournaments to college championships – even holding season tickets for the Dallas Mavericks during their initial glory days in the late 1980s. Later in life, as a resident of North Florida, he found a new passion in the Florida Gators women's basketball and volleyball teams, embracing that community with the same enthusiasm.

Ron and his beloved Bev were true partners in life and best friends; their love story is a testament to joy and shared passions. Their adventurous spirits led them to take several trips to Europe. Their lives were rich with experiences, enjoying jazz concerts, cheering on their favorite teams, and spending time with family and friends. In their later years, they found a welcoming community at both the Del Webb Retirement Community and Christ Lutheran Church in Summerfield. Their life together was a vibrant tapestry woven with love, laughter, shared interests, a deep connection, and a strong sense of faith, belonging and joy.

Ron had a knack for making friends wherever he went. He treasured his days working at the front gate, singing in the church choir, volunteering for BINGO night, cheering on the local Belleview High School Band, and getting to know people. Ron never met a stranger, and his

warmth and genuine interest in others will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He leaves behind a legacy of friendship, love, and a life well lived.

Ron was preceded in death by his devoted wife Beverly Blake, parents Lester and Evelyn Blake, parents-in-law Carl and Edna Alfrejd, brother Lee Blake, sister-in-law Nita Blake, brother-in-law, Donald Alfrejd, a nephew, a niece, and special friends John and Judy Hicks.

Ron is survived by and deeply missed by sister-in-law, Norma Alfrejd, nephews and nieces, Tom Blake, Richard (Lisa) Blake, Robin Blake, Kristie Whittemore, April (Marc) Matsui, Michael (Camille) Alfrejd, Aimee (Manny) Jimenez, Heather Alfrejd, Mark (Lecia) Alfrejd, Richard Alfrejd, Bruce (Sue) Alfrejd, Christopher (Marcy) Alfrejd, and many great-nieces and great-nephews. He was also Aimee's Godfather. In addition to his family, he leaves behind life-long friends Charlie and Shirley Barnett, Larry and Rae Fran Gusewelle, Robb (Aimee) Hicks, Sarah (Matt) Rush, co-workers, co-volunteers in the community, neighbors, former employees, his retirement community friends and church family.

Services for Ron will be held Friday, November 28th at 1pm at Christ Lutheran Church, Summerfield, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made and sent to the Belleview High School Band, to the attention of the bookkeeper, 10400 SE 36th Avenue, Belleview, Florida, 34420. Please note Band Donation for the Ronald Blake Memorial on the memo line.