The funeral service for Mr. Robert Earl Blaise will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 22 at Johnson Grove Church of Christ with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m., Friday, July 21, at Riverwood Family and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at Johnson Grove.

Robert Earl Blaise of Brookhaven, Mississippi, entered into the presence of Jesus on July 17, 2023, at the age of 88 years. He was born October 15, 1934, to Ernest Joseph Blaise and LouVella Stevens Blaise. He lived a long life of integrity devoted to caring for those around him.

Robert Earl graduated from Brookhaven High School, Class of 1953. He attended Copiah-Lincoln Junior College and received his bachelor’s degree from Mississippi Southern College in Hattiesburg. He taught social studies and coached football and basketball in both Mississippi and Florida. Still affectionately known as “Coach” to his students, Robert Earl impacted the lives of many students both in the classroom and on the playing field. He also served his country in the Mississippi National Guard.

Robert Earl loved Jesus with his whole heart and was active in the local church. He was a member at Johnson Grove Church of Christ in Bogue Chitto and, when living in Florida, served as an elder for many years at South 14^th Street Church of Christ in Leesburg.

Robert Earl married the love of his life, Opal, on June 3^rd, 1958, and they were together for 65 years. They have four children, nine grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. His proudest title was Papa. He was a devoted grandfather and great-grandfather, beloved by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Ernest Blaise, and three sisters, Elise Kuhn, Birdie Ratcliff, and Betty Strawbridge.

Survivors are his wife, Opal Redd Blaise of Brookhaven, daughter Karen Braden (David) of Brookhaven, sons Bob Blaise (Marva) of The Villages, Florida, Bruce Blaise (Teri) of Starkville, MS, Mike Blaise (Sheryl) of Leesburg, Florida, nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Johnson Grove youth group, 669 Auburn Drive SW, Bogue Chitto, MS 39629, or the Berean Children’s Home, 1180 Berea Tr. S.E, Bogue Chitto, MS 39629.

Special thanks to the many caregivers over the past two years.

Condolences and other information are available online at www.riverwoodfamily.com.