John Gordon Blake, 79, of Palm Coast, entered the sunset of life on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Halifax Health - Hospice Ormond Beach Care Center.

John Gordon Blake was born on Friday, March 3, 1944, to John A. Blake and Allethia Smith Blake in Brooklyn, NY. "Johnny", as he was affectionately called by family and close friends, was the eldest child and brother of one sibling, Sharman Blake. His early religious training began at the Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church (MLBC), where his grandmother, Lilian Robinson Douglass, was one of the founding members. He attended his first Sunday School class at a very early age where he learned about Jesus Christ, the Son of God and how much HE loved him. His favorite childhood song was "Jesus Loves Me, This I Know, for the Bible Tells Me So" .  This hymn carried him through some difficult times until his transition.

"Johnny"  was baptized by the late Rev. Claude Franklin,  pastor of MLBC.  John was educated in the New York City Public School system attending P.S. 28, St. Clair McKelway (JHS 178), Boys High School, and NYC Community College where he earned an Associate Degree. John met Ivestia Strayhorn and in 1964 they were married. From this union two beautiful children were born, Ronald LeMont and Cynthia LaTasha. After graduation from college, John took on numerous employment opportunities, but none as long lasting or personally rewarding as the New York City Transit Authority. While public service personified John's professional career from 1966 onward, John said, "the public sector was not my original choice." John led by example in his commitment to public service. His curiosity and knowledge about all things transportation was vast as his career spanned the transportation spectrum from maintenance to NYC Transportation Dispatcher, a title he subsequently retired from in 1996.

More than 25 years ago, John G. Blake moved to Palm Coast, Florida where he resided until his demise. Once settled after his relocation, John became an active member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, where the Rev. Edwin Coffie serves as the Pastor. John immersed himself in his church life and was very active in numerous church ministries.  In addition to being a church Trustee, he was a dedicated and passionate member of the Voices of Calvary Music Ministry and the Mighty Men of Calvary Choir. John gained celebrity status among the church family after his solo line in the Temptations version of Silent Night. His well executed final line, "Merry Christmas…..from the Mighty Men of Mt. Calvary", extended a holiday greeting in a tone often compared to Isaac Hayes and Barry White. He gladly served on the church Security Ministry and as the  Transportation Coordinator for the church. John faithfully participated in the Monday Morning with the Master weekly praise and prayer call and the Men's Sunday School Class.  He also represented Mt. Calvary at many community events throughout Florida.

John often mentioned that his Mt. Calvary experience took him over many hills and through many valleys. Through it all, "in the good days and not so good days" it was always good because he knew that the Lord was on his side. Never willing to give up on the Lord because HE never gave up on him.

Everyone who met "Johnny" soon realized he was more than just a performer.  Behind the piano, he entertained audiences with skill and charm. He was an adorable, witty, and kind-hearted soul who brought joy and laughter to everyone around him. His love for jazz and extensive knowledge of music added a unique flavor to his singing and performing capabilities. In his teen years, he was a member of a teenage singing group.  Later he began singing for the Glory of the Lord.  Although John's professional life centered around public service, it was his passion for music that truly defined him.

During his time in Palm Coast, John remained a faithful son to his dearly beloved elderly mother

in Brooklyn, NY.  His faithfulness to her care and wellbeing, guided his decision to travel 6 months out of the year to Brooklyn, to help care for her. During his months in New York with his mother, he shifted his career framework into the entertainment industry and became backdoor stage manager for the Schoenfeld Theatre in New York.  After 8 years, he retired from the position.

John's civic and social connections included NAACP - Life Member, WBGO Jazz Radio - Life Member, African American Cultural  Society (AACS) of Palm Coast and the North East Florida Jazz Association (NEFJA). He remained an active member of these organizations until his health limited his participation.

In addition to his father, John was preceded in death by his mother who was 100 years old at the time of her death in 2010.

John's departure on Monday, January 29, 2024 in Palm Coast, FL leaves a void in many hearts that cannot be filled, and those who had the privilege of knowing him mourn the loss of a truly remarkable individual. "Johnny" will be remembered by his family, friends and all those who may not remember his name but they impacted one another's life in some way.

John is survived by: his faithful loving companion, Esther Stubbs (Palm Coast); one son, Ronald LeMont Blake and his wife, Monique, (Brooklyn, NY); one daughter, Cynthia LaTasha Blake;  three grandchildren, Jonathan, Jazmin, Maya; one great granddaughter,  Aria; one sister, Sharman Blake; one nephew, Eric Orande Blake, all from Brooklyn, NY. Several great nephews, nieces, cousins, close relatives, godchildren, friends, neighbors, and an awesome team of caring medical professionals at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and the Dialysis Team of Palm Coast.

John's Statement of Legacy "May my loved ones be happy and concerned for each other and may my homegoing bring the family together with compassion for each other. May my descendants learn of me and my love for service in the name of Jesus Christ. May old friends remember my name and young children learn it with love in their hearts. May you forgive and forget my faults, remembering that I tried my best as a son, as a parent and as a human being. And may all those that I leave behind, find joy in knowing that even though it was not my decision to leave, I'm happy and at peace in my brand-new home."

Visitation: 10-11 a.m. with a Celebration of Life commencing at 11 a.m., Friday, February 9, 2024 at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 75 Pine Lakes Parkway South, Palm Coast, FL 32164. Rev. Edwin Coffie, Pastor and eulogist. Interment: Evergreen Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY.