RICHMOND, Ind. – Dr. George T. Blakey Jr., age 78, of Richmond, Indiana, died Monday, October 9, 2017, at Friends Fellowship Community.
George was born on August 25, 1939, in Beattyville, Kentucky, to George T. and Eulela Lyons Blakey. He received his bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Berea College in Kentucky, earned a master’s degree in history and political science from Vanderbilt University, and received his Ph.D. in history and political science from Indiana University Bloomington. The Professor Emeritus of history will be long remembered as an outstanding educator. He was one of the original members of the faculty of IU East and has always been well respected for his academic work, instruction in the classroom, and community involvement. George was an avid reader and owned and operated The Olde Bookstore. He was a popular lecturer around the area.
He is survived by his sister, Bygee Gutierrez of Cincinnati, Ohio; brother-in-law, James Capobianco of New Jersey; nieces; nephews; and many friends, colleagues and former students who remember him fondly.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dr. Carolyn Smith Blakey, who passed away October 11, 2003; parents; and sister, Sally Capobianco.
A memorial service for Dr. George T. Blakey Jr. will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 12, 2017, at Vivian Auditorium located in Whitewater Hall on the IU East campus, 2325 Chester Boulevard, Richmond. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Wayne County Historical Museum, 1150 North A Street, Richmond, IN 47374; Richmond Art Museum, P.O. Box 816, Richmond, IN 47375; Richmond Civic Theatre, 1003 East Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374; or Hayes Arboretum, 801 Elks Country Club Road, Richmond, IN 47374.
Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.