Johnny Odell Blakney

Johnny Odell Blakney passed away at home at the age of 79 from complications resulting from heart failure. He was born in Corsicana 10/8/1941 and passed from this life 2/27/2021.

He married Amy Tatum and together had three children. His oldest child, Kimberly Renee, died in a tragic car crash at age 18 which was one of the great tragedies of his life. Johnny and Amy divorced in 1984. Soon afterward he married Hildegard Allen (Karell) on 11/3/1984 in Dallas and in 1988 they moved to Cedar Hill where they lived until 2010. They then moved to his final residence in Rusk. Hildegard preceded him in death by 30 days. They were married for 36 years. They loved each other very much. She cared for him while his health was failing and he was her eyes, she was legally blind.

In Corsicana his family attended Memorial Baptist Church and at the age of 10 he made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. He graduated from Corsicana High in 1961. While in high school he was 1st chair tuba in marching band and also played in jazz band. Upon graduation he went to work in a donut shop and then for Skillerns running a printing press. He commuted by bus from Corsicana to Dallas daily working 12 hour days. Next, he worked for Holsum bread and American Bakers Tasty Bread and later went to work for Pool Offshore and Kerr-McGee in the oil industry for 10 years. Finally, he worked for Frito-Lay for 25 years as an electrician until his retirement.

Upon his marriage to Hilde he joined Grace Temple Baptist Church. When he moved to Cedar Hill he became a member of Eastridge Baptist in Red Oak. After moving to Rusk he joined FBC. During these years he enjoyed being with his church family and playing golf with friends. He also made many memories on camping and fishing trips with grandkids.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents Lonnie and Stella, and siblings Louise Temple, and James William, as well as his daughter Kimberly. He is survived by his son Scott Blakney and daughter Melissa Gentry (David) of Louisiana, as well as his step-sons Gary T. Allen (Laura) of San Angelo, John F. Allen (Renee) of Crowley, and Daniel R. Allen (Teresa) of Rusk. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Megan Allen Pfluger (Clayton), Garrett Allen, Whitney Allen, Emma Allen, Sam Allen, Alli Allen, Hannah Allen, Luke Allen, Joseph Allen, John Paul Allen, Amanda Bennett, Lori Broadus, Kori McClintock, and Kameron Gentry as well as 5 great grandchildren: Kendall and Kamryn Pfluger, Braylon Broadus, Remington Ruiz, and Bryce McClintock.

Memorial service 3/6 at 11 A.M. at First Baptist Church, Rusk. Graveside will be held at a later date.