WILMINGTON — Bernard Saunders Blake, 87, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Bernard was born on May 28, 1936, to Enos Blake and Naomi Hudson Blake in Gloucester, VA. His wisdom and vast knowledge will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Bernard grew up on a farm with a strong work ethic, which was demonstrated by his final retirement date of February 2022. He started his career as a Civil Engineer in Massachusetts. After that, he transitioned to railway engineering, beginning with Seaboard Coastline. Later he developed his own engineering business, B and B Enterprises. After retiring from the railroad, he started a business assisting homeland security at the NC State Ports in Wilmington, NC. Bernard was also a member of Winter Park Baptist Church, where he previously served in the choir.
Bernard was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Renee Cooke; and siblings: Lois Tankersley, Enos Blake, Russell Blake, and Patricia Eastwood.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Peggy Brooks Blake; daughters: Kimberly Leonard (Bobby) and Sandra Burroughs (Brannon); brother, Jimmie Blake (Beth); 5 grandchildren: Sarah Jarvis, Tamar Bumgardner, Caitlyn Leonard, Amy Leonard, and Noah Burroughs; and 3 great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at 2 p.m. on February 24, 2024, at Winter Park Baptist Church in Wilmington, NC, followed by a service at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
