Thomas P. Blake, coach, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather departed this life on July 20, 2021 at the age of 87 after a short illness.
He was born on December 30, 1933 in Tampa, Florida, the youngest of three children to the late Hawley D. and Virginia S. Blake. He graduated from Plant High School in 1952 and then went to college at the University of Florida, where he graduated in 1956 with a degree in Physical Education.
Following graduation, he started his career as a Teacher at Skeen Elementary and then at Leesburg High School in Leesburg, Florida. He also continued his passion for swimming as a swim coach for many years.
After retirement from teaching, he was a car salesman. He enjoyed sailing, Gator sports, and traveling. He was a resident of Leesburg since 1956 and a long-time member of St. James Episcopal Church of Leesburg, FL.
He is survived by his children Robert T. Blake (Deborah) of Woodbridge, VA; Debra B. Semmler of Charlotte, NC, and Scott A. Blake of Eustis, FL. Also, his grandchildren, Jamie-Leigh R. Blake (Tara) of Edmonds, WA, Michael T. Blake (Mandy) of Woodbridge, VA; David L. Blake of Pittsburgh, PA, Kimberly Beeker (Anthony) of Charlotte, NC, Katie Nelson (Daniel) of Charlotte, NC, and Emily Semmler of Charlotte, NC. And his nine great-grandchildren, Krista, Lily, and Madison Blake of Edmonds, WA; Sean, Lilly, and Tyler of Woodbridge, VA; AJ and Andrew Beeker of Charlotte, NC; Gracie Nelson of Charlotte, NC.
He was predeceased by his wife of nearly 60 years, Nancy D. Blake and his daughter Beth A. Blake.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, with services to be held at St. James Episcopal Church on Saturday July 24, 2021 at 3:00 PM. Since Coach Blake did not like to get dressed up, family requests that funeral attendees dress comfortably, shorts and polo shirts in Gator colors are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
