Blake Makay Robinson Reddell, 21, of Western Grove, passed from this earthly life on Saturday, August 27, 2022, in Newton County.
He was born on July 19, 2001, in Harrison, to Jason Harold and Jennifer Kay Robinson Reddell. He was the middle of three brothers. Blake attended school in Western Grove and graduated with the class of 2020. He was a member of the basketball team and had a large group of close friends. Blake’s friends remember him as a genuine, caring and life changing friend. He attended church with his family at Yardelle Chapel.
Blake was determined, focused, and set in his ways. Once he set a goal he persevered until it was accomplished. Blake earned his associate degree in Surgical Technology at North Arkansas College and was voted to receive the Academic Excellence Award for his class. He worked as a surgical technician at Baxter Regional Surgery Center in Mountain Home and loved the work he did. He still practiced and studied after graduation and planned to become certified as a first-assist.
Blake and his family had a passion for the great outdoors. Jason passed down his knowledge for many outdoor sports such as hunting and fishing. Blake especially loved his dirt bike, starting the sport at the age of five. The whole family could often be found on a trail for an ATV adventure, on the water or on a camping trip. Blake even enjoyed working on the river during the summer. Blake enjoyed spending time with his friends even when he had to ask two weeks in advance. Blake often joked about Jennifer being the ”No Mom.” He would say, “Why can’t you be the “Yes Mom?”
Blake and Maddie met in 2020 and had their first date at a swimming hole in Jasper. Maddie remembers Blake first telling her he loved her at their drop-off spot at the bank. Blake proposed to Madison Breedlove on May 9, 2022, and she said yes. They planned to be married in April of 2023.
Blake’s dog, Bailey, was his shadow since she was a puppy. Blake built her doghouse himself and made sure it was stocked with essential household items. When Blake recently moved out on his own, Bailey followed. Blake also had a love for eating and was affectionately nicknamed “the vacuum.” He loved bacon and juice and was especially protective of his leftovers. He wrote his name on them to make sure no one else claimed them. Growing up he loved baking and cooking with his Mimi, Teresa, in the kitchen. Blake was very particular about his appearance, especially when it came to his hair. He had a tedious routine before ball games to make sure every hair was in the right place.
Blake is survived by his parents, Jason and Jennifer Reddell; his soon-to-be wife, Maddie Breedlove; brothers, Brody (Tatum) and Briggs Reddell; niece, Bristol Reddell; his Mimi, Teresa Robinson; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, countless friends and family who loved him so much. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Tommy Robinson of Western Grove and Harold and Fern Reddell of Vendor.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at Western Grove High School Gymnasium with Pastor Derwin Martin officiating. Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery under the direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.
Pallbearers will be Brody Reddell, Jason Reddell, Garrett Dixon, Carson Parker, Zane Wheeler, Preston Savage, Mason Sisco and Drake Gibson.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Sand Hill Cemetery or the Ozark Humane Society, 5147 Rock Springs Road, Harrison, Arkansas 72601.