Michael Raymond Blakely

Michael Raymond Blakely, 67, a resident of Spanish Fort passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021. Michael was a dedicated life-long learner and teacher. He attended John S. Shaw High School. Later, he went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Auburn University’s Harrison School of Pharmacy (HSOP). As a registered pharmacist, he worked at the former University of South Alabama (USA) Medical Center, now University Hospital, where he rounded daily with an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals long before it was the standard of care. He was immensely proud of that. Michael obtained his MBA from USA and was eventually promoted to Director of Pharmacy at USA Medical Center. On the side, he owned and operated a home infusion pharmacy, taking care of Mobile’s cystic fibrosis population. Michael gave many lectures at USA’s medical school as well. Most recently, he was excited to be part of the team that initiated the groundwork for HSOP’s new satellite campus in Mobile at USA. Outside of work, Michael enjoyed sailing in his younger years and music and guitar in retirement. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mary Ann Blakely. He is survived by his loving wife Ranna Hess Blakely and son Shawn (Shelby) Blakely of Spanish Fort; brother Barry (Susan) Blakely of Cookeville, TN; nieces Sara Stroups of Wilmer and Elizabeth Brewer of Mobile; nephews John Blakely of Louisville, KY, Barrett Blakely of Cookeville, TN, William Hess of Dryerburg, TN, and CJ Hess of Mobile; and countless friends and extended family who loved him dearly. Graveside services will be held at 2:30pm on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Jubilee Memorial Gardens, Daphne, AL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) Mobile Regional Center at 1050 Government St. Mobile, AL 36604 as he benefitted from their help. They also accept any item that blind people can use (i.e old iPhones with Siri capabilities, etc). Be sure to note, “In memory of Michael Blakely”.