Charles R Blake II

Charles Ray Blake II, affectionately known to us as Chad, was born September 19, 1955 in

Maryville, MO and was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on November 20, 2020 in Clermont,

FL. He was the first of five children born to Charles (Chuck) Ray Blake Sr. and Martha

McDowell. After Martha’s passing in 1975, Chuck remarried Sherry Irons adding two more

children to the family.

Chad spent his childhood in Hubbard, IA. While living there, his family helped build a golf

course, cultivating his love for the game of golf. He joyfully spent many a summer day golfing,

swimming, and fishing.

After graduating from High School in 1973, he attended Iowa State University. During his time

there, he attended tryouts for the golf team and secured a spot. During his last year in college

through the influence of a friend and his sister Sharon, he met his wife Rhonda. They were

married on August 9th, 1980 in Palmer, IA.

From 1978-1984 he worked as a purchasing agent for the Highland Potato Chip company. From

1980-1990 he was self-employed as a golf instructor and college coach in Des Moines, Iowa.

In 1990, the Blake family moved to Moline, IL where Chad started in the 3 year PGA

apprenticeship program as a first assistant at the Short Hills Golf & Country Club. From

1994-1996 he played golf on the mini golf tours as a professional golfer.

His goal was always to be able to teach and train other golf professionals. He was able to live out

that dream from 1996-1998 when he worked for the Phil Ritzon Golf Academy at Orange

County National in Orlando, FL. In 1998, he completed the PGA apprenticeship program and

became a member of the North Florida PGA.

During the course of his golf career, he met David Lee who transformed his thinking about the

golf swing. Soon he became a golf instructor with the Gravity Golf School. He continued to

mentor and train his golf students until a few months before his passing.

In addition to golfing, he established Blake’s Painting Company in 1998, which he continued to

manage until he was diagnosed with cancer in 2018.

The most important aspect of Chad’s life was his relationship with the Lord. He came to

understand his need for a personal relationship with Jesus during his first week of college. From

then on, he devoted his life to sharing the joy he had found in his Savior and serving others. He

actively served at Open Door Baptist Church in Clermont, FL as a Sunday school teacher and

deacon for many years.

Chad is survived by his wife, Rhonda Blake

Children: Rebekah Blake, Michelle Myers, Aaron Blake, Nathan Blake, Wesley Blake, Justin

Blake and Anna Blake.

Grandchildren: Chandler and Aubrey Blake, Colin, Kate, Jane, Emma, and Henry Myers.

Siblings: David Blake, Sharon Wilson, Valerie Kintz, Paul Blake, Tami VanBlaircom, and Brian

VanBlaircom.

Step mother Sherry Crall, and many nieces and nephews.

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