Jeffrey C. Blake, Sr.

Jeffrey Cornelius Blake, Sr. was born on December 12, 1974, in Prescott, Arkansas, to Ellis Gulley and Susan Ann Todd. On Friday, July 10, 2026, he passed from this life at the young age of 51 years.

At an early age, Jeffery attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Gurdon, Arkansas. Jeffrey was raised in the Gurdon community and was a 1993 graduate of Gurdon High School, where he was well known as one of the popular students whose infectious smile, outgoing personality, and magnetic energy naturally drew people to him. He never met a stranger, and it didn’t take long for anyone he encountered to become a friend. His easygoing spirit, genuine kindness, and unforgettable sense of humor made him someone people simply enjoyed being around.

Jeffrey believed in the value of hard work. Throughout his life, he was employed by Henderson State University and Siplast. Many throughout the Arkadelphia area also came to know Jeffrey as the friendly face behind the counter at the popular Fina Gas Station, where his unique personality, laughter, and welcoming spirit brightened the day. His children and grandchildren were the absolute joy of his life.

Outside of work, Jeffrey found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved listening to all genres of music, spending peaceful days fishing, and putting his hands to work through carpentry projects. Few people knew that Jeffrey possessed a melodious singing voice—a gift inherited from his father. Whether singing around family or putting on one of his famous “shower concerts,” music was always a part of who he was.

A devoted sports enthusiast, Jeffrey faithfully cheered for his beloved New England Patriots. Win or lose, he proudly supported his team and rarely missed an opportunity to talk football.

Above all, Jeffrey will be remembered for the love he shared, and the friendships he built. His laughter was contagious, his presence comforting, and his friendship genuine. His life reminds us that it is not measured by the number of years we live, but by the love we give and the memories we leave behind.

Jeffrey leaves behind a large circle of family and friends who will forever cherish his life, and hold close the many memories. Though his earthly journey has ended, he will live on.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Susan Ann Todd (March 13, 2012); his grandmother, Christine Williams; grandparents, Haywood and Eva Mae Todd; aunts, Shirley Loving, Annie Bell; uncles, Andy Bell, Herbert Bell, and Sammy Bell.

He leave to cherish his memory; his father, Ellis (Linda) Gulley of Griffithtown, AR; one son, Jeffrey C. Blake, Jr., two grandchildren, Zanir Koa Blake and Zylah Mae Blake; his bonus daughters, Tyanna Thomas, and Kiley Pasley; his bonus grandchildren, Ayden Nelson and Leo’Mani Hicks; four sisters, Lowvonder McClure of Bryant, AR, Vanessa Sims of Gurdon, AR, Roberta (Michael) Hendrix of Nashville, AR and Tamika (Marvin) Watts of Camden, AR; eight brothers, Victor (Kelly) Gulley of Little Rock, AR, Shun Gulley of Japan, Ellis Gulley, Jr., of Arkadelphia, AR, Apollo (Markita A.) Blake of Gurdon, AR, Bobby (Jaquana) Sims of Chicago, IL, Frederick Hopson of Little Rock, AR, Rodrick Hopson of Hensley, AR and Elvan Gulley of Prescott, AR; his “Granny” Doris Gulley; aunts, Ruby Gatlin, Barabra Ann Miller, Joyce Brown, Bessie Lee Rogers and uncles, Randy Bell, Bennie Holliman and James Sanders. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.