William R. Blakeley

Kill Devil Hills – Captain William R. Blakeley, U.S. Navy (Retired), 72, of Kill Devil Hills, crossed over the bar to be with his maker on Friday, April 12, 2013, at his home in Kill Devil Hills. Bob is survived by Anne, his loving wife of 51 years, their four children, John, David, Beth and Patti and seven grandchildren, Will, Lauren, Evan, Macy, Austin, Coleman and Bella.

Bob was born September 27, 1940 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He enlisted in the navy while still in high school, but eventually joined the NROTC program at the University of Louisville where he met Anne. They went on to serve their country together at twenty-two duty stations over 29 years, including Bob’s wartime service in Vietnam and his command of the destroyer USS McCandless. He retired as a highly decorated captain in 1991, whereupon Bob and Anne settled in Kill Devil Hills. In retirement, Bob dedicated himself to crafting children’s toys, cataloging an expansive genealogical history, driving Dare County Transportation and Social Services, rescuing retired greyhounds and making up lost time with Anne.

A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, April 16 at 11am at Holy Redeemer by the Sea. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will follow later this summer. Details will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in remembrance may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Greyhound Adoption Agencies.

Condolences to the family may be expressed via the on-line register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.