Sept. 18, 1958 – Aug. 27, 2017

NATCHEZ — Services for Earl Blakes Sr., 58, of Jackson, formerly of Natchez, who died Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, will be 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church with the Rev. Bland Washington and the Rev. Anthony Colenburg officiating.      

Burial will follow at the church cemetery under the direction of West Gate Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. today at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church.

Mr. Blakes was born Sept. 18, 1958, in Natchez, the son of Henry Blakes Sr. and Henrietta Shelby Blakes.

He was a graduate of South Natchez High School where he was a member of the football team. He was retired from the State of Mississippi.

Earl was also a member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church. He enjoyed watching westerns and was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

Mr. Blakes was preceded in death by his wife, Shelia Foster Blakes; his parents; one son, Bryant LeMor Foster Sr.; and one brother, Henry Blakes Jr.

Survivors include two sons, Roderick Blakes and wife, Ashley, of Carrollton, Texas, and Earl Blakes Jr. of Jackson; one brother, Alex Mayberry; three sisters, Mary Blakes Washington, Ora Payne and Martha Frye; four grandchildren, Bryant Foster Jr., Xavier Blakes, Arianana Blakes and Jordan Daniels; one great-granddaughter, Aubrielle Foster; mother-in-law, Johnetta Foster; father-in-law, Willie Foster; and a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Online condolences may be sent to westgatefh.com.