Dana Michael Blake, 29, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 9, 2012.  A native of Cleveland County he is the son of Leroy and Teresa Blake.  He is preceded in death by his grandfather Leroy Blake, Sr.  Michael graduated from Crest High School where he obtained the “most athletic” award his senior year.  He went on to graduate from East Carolina University with a Construction Management degree.  He was employed in the construction field all of his life and worked with his dad as superintendent of Blake Construction.  Michael loved college football and was very active with his church softball program. He was an outstanding athlete.  He was a member of Landmark Baptist Church.  Michael was a devoted father to his two sons and loved doing things with his family.  He also enjoyed going to the beach. 

Michael is survived by his wife Lacey Blake and two sons, Turner and Wyatt Blake; parents, Leroy and Teresa Blake; brother, Chris Blake and wife Amanda and their children Ryan, Zac, and Paige; sister, Ashley Blake; paternal grandmother, Nancy Proctor and husband Roger; maternal grandfather, William Bridges and wife Joyce Bridges; maternal grandmother, Helen Barnett and husband Clarence, Sr. of Myrtle Beach, SC.; and numerous close friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:30pm on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at Landmark Baptist Church.  The Rev. Allen Davis will be officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:30pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at the church.  At other times the family will be at the home of Ashley, Leroy and Teresa Blake in Grover.

The family request memorials are made to Landmark Baptist Church, c/o The Blake Children’s Scholarship Fund, P O Box 489, Shelby, NC, 28151.