Dr. Wilton Eugene "Gene" Blake, 86, Fayetteville, died May 1, 2007. He was born Nov. 26, 1920 in Pike County. He was a veteran of world War II, serving with Patton's 3rd Army Division, and participated in the Normandy Invasion. He attended Emory University and Auburn Veterinary School. He was a veterinarian in Tampa for 32 years, retiring in 1981. Graveside services were at Magnolia Cemetery, Concord, Ga. with the Rev. Bob Graham officiating.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Kathryn Milner Blake; a son, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Blake, Fayetteville; a daughter, Peggy and Ron Mathis, Fernandina Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Laura Mathis Guthrie, Melissa Suzanne Mathis, Jennifer Nicole Blake, John Odis Miller, and Lydia Mansfield; great-grandchildren, Austin Pierce Guthrie, and Kala Elizabeth Guthrie; a brother, Mr. and Mrs. William McKay Blake, Tampa, Fla.; a nephew, William McKay Blake Jr., and a niece, Betty Blake Ciaravella. Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville, was in charge.