Gary Donald

Blakley

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IN LOVING MEMORY

Gary Donald Blakley

Mar 29 1941 - Feb 11 2021

Gary Donald Blakley passed away peacefully at his home on February 11th 2021 from pancreatic cancer with his son’s and grandson by his side. Gary was born on March 29th 1941 in Ringling, Ok to June Rust and Bill Blakley. He graduated from Levelland High School in 1958 where he was a golden gloves recipient. After graduation, Gary attended Texas Tech University, graduating in 1962 with a degree in business. Gary began playing drums at the age of 14 leading to a successful career as a drummer in the 1970’s. During his career, Gary played with Buddy Holly, Janice Joplin, Roy Orbison, Waylon Jennings, and the Everly Brothers and in 1989, played a benefit concert in Austin Tx with Little Richard. He continued to play the drums up until his death.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, of almost 60 years who passed 10 months earlier; Brother-in-law, Bill Alexander, of Los Lunas, NM; sister, Bobbie; mother, June, and father, Bill.

He is survived by his sister, Jodee Alexander, of Los Lunas, NM; 3 children; daughter, Teri Rogers and husband Russell Rogers of Loveland Colorado, son, Lance Blakley and wife Sherry Yellin of Farmersville Tx, son, Shane Blakley and wife Kim Blakley of Plano, Tx; 4 grandchildren; grandson, Garrett Blakley and wife Miranda Blakley of Wylie, Tx; granddaughters, Hannah and Kealey Blakley of Plano Tx and Averi Blakley of Farmersville Tx; 2 great grandchildren, Tatum Blakley and Wesley Blakley of Wylie, TX; niece, April Alexander of Albuquerque, NM; nephew, Jake Alexander and wife Robin, of Los Lunas, NM; and numerous extended family, band mates and friends.

Celebration of life to be scheduled at a later date.

He most certainly will be missed!

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Memorials

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