Stephen Blakeney

    On Tuesday afternoon, September 24, 2024, at approximately 1:32 p.m., Steve succumbed peacefully to God's call as he slumbered in room 9315 at Duke Hospital in Durham, NC. The "new life" began for Stephen "Steve" Timothy Blakeney who was born on March 15, 1965, to the late Boncrosby "Bob" and Barbara A. Blakeney. Steve attended Oakdale Elementary, Spring Lake Junior High School, and Pine Forest High School where he graduated in June of 1983. After graduation, Steve decided to join the United States Army, where he served for six years. After his military career, his next venture was enrolling in Fayetteville Technical Community College, where "Steve" received an associate's degree in civil engineering. Shortly after graduating from FTCC, he applied at the North Carolina Department of Transportation, where he worked as the Senior Assistant Resident Engineer for the last 30 years. Steve grew up in Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church and loved the Lord and his church family. His definition of God was, love everlasting. He rededicated his life to Christ while in the hospital at Duke on Friday, August 30, 2024. Steve loved his job and was a dedicated employee. Steve loved to cook, hunt, fish, go target shooting, talk politics, and spend time with his family. He especially enjoyed spending time mentoring his nephew, Ethan. Steve was determined to be the role model Ethan needed in his life. Steve was an avid Washington Redskins fan and always looked forward to football season with the boys.

    As we bid farewell to a beloved man of wit, integrity, and strength in admiration and appreciation, our fondest memories of "Steve" will be cherished forever by a sister, Tina Danzy, Spring Lake, NC; brother, Kevin Blakeney (Cindy) of Spring Lake, NC, and Yolanda Avery, who preceded him in death; two aunts, Carrie Johnson and Mary Ann Burnette, one uncle, Robert (Helen) Burnette, three nephews, Cedrick (Alisha) Graham, Charles Avery III, and Ethan Danzy, four nieces, Tynia Avery, Brianna Avery, Aaliyah Danzy and Christian Bridgeman, a special cousin who was like a brother to him, Michael "Terry" Johnson and a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. Special recognition goes to his best friends, Rodney Jacobs, James Lilly, Shaun Evans, and all his co-workers at NCDOT, whose unwavering support and joyful memories brought immense happiness to Steve's life on earth.