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When Breck (my youngest son) called me Friday with the news that Ray Blackledge had died, my heart immediately began to hurt for Ray’s family…and for Breck. Ray Blackledge stepped into Breck’s life at a time he needed love and guidance. He needed someone to teach him about life. Ray and Margaret filled a void in Breck’s life. He taught Breck how to hunt. He taught Breck how to drive. He taught Breck how to drive a tractor. He taught Breck to love animals. Margaret brought the softer side of love into this life. Magaret’s loving spirit often overcame Ray’s gruffness.
Breck never quit loving Ray and Margaret. When Breck married, Ray and Margaret and Mr. Max Mullins “stand in” as Breck’s grandparents.
About six weeks ago, Breck called that he needed to come home to visit Ray and Margaret and Mr. Max.
Often, we as friends forget the influence we can have on a child’s life. We can make a difference even when someone is not your child. Ray made a difference. He took a young boy and guided him through difficult years. I will forever be grateful to Ray and Margaret…and Mr. Max for the positive influence they made in Breck’s life.
Ray was principal at Magee High School for several years. Margaret taught school. Ray opened a car dealership and supplied many people with automobiles while in Magee. He later joined the Richton School System. Dr. Thomas Blackledge is Ray and Margaret’s only son. Seth and Gage are their grandchildren. Sonia is the daughter-in-law.
Ray and Margaret moved to Richton years ago. Ray was finally on the farm he loved having cows, horses and of course dogs!
Ray will be buried Sunday in Richton. Visitation is from 1:30-3 at the Richton United Methodists Church. The funeral will follow at 3.
My heart is forever grateful to Ray Blackledge and the love he showed my baby son!
(Pictured: Mr. Max Mullins, Carolyn and Breck Honea, Ray and Margaret and Sue)
