Blake M. Putnam

Blake M. Putnam, 94, of Calhoun, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, at Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton, following a brief illness.

Blake was born January 8, 1930, in Curryville, Gordon County, Georgia, to William Dewey (W.D.) Putnam and Emma Duane Keys Putnam. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Terrill, in 2012, and by three brothers, Truett (2012), Lamar (2016), and Alvin (1936 - at birth), and one sister, Joy Putnam James (1992).

Blake attended grammar school at Oostanaula and graduated from Calhoun High School in 1947 as valedictorian. He attended Abraham Baldwin Junior College and taught Veterans in Farm Training for 2 years. Following ABAC, he attended University of Georgia and graduated with an Agricultural Engineering degree in 1953. In 1957 Blake married Joan Terrill, of Adairsville, and together they enjoyed 55 years together. 

After UGA, Blake joined Burlington Industries as an Industrial Engineering Trainee, and later advanced to Division Engineer. After 22 years he left Burlington and started a very successful consulting business which he ended after 9 years to join Synthetic Industries in 1984 as Corporate Industrial Engineer. When Synthetic made the decision to become a manufacturer of Secondary backing for the carpet industry, Blake was given the authority and responsibility to oversee this new business expansion in addition to his regular engineering responsibilities.

Within 2 years, after spending more than 40 million dollars, they achieved a quality product. Through innovation and cost efficiencies, Synthetic enjoyed a high profit margin product, the driving force behind their rapid growth. During these years he trained many engineers, supervisors and hourly personnel which became very successful in their careers.

By 1954 Blake had joined Belmont Baptist Church and began teaching "Juniors" in Training Union. He was elected a deacon, and after a term of 3 years, was elected Deacon Chairman. He served as chairman for every following term served. During his time at Belmont, he also served on Pastor search, personnel and nominating committees, and as Sunday School Superintendent. His greatest pleasure came from organizing the Sportsman Sunday school class and teaching it continually for over 54 years. Blake was also a part of the organizing committee for the "Good Samaritans" and served as a director.

Blake enjoyed the simple things in life such as raising gardens, especially tomatoes and corn, and gave away about 90% of the produce, and enjoyed fishing in his spare time. He was known for wearing a little red fishing hat and was known as ''the red hat man" around town.

One of his hobbies was repairing cars. From 1997 to 2015 he donated at least one car a year (representing the Sportsman Class) to Macedonian Call Foundation, which provides cars to missionaries on leave. In his own words, "Any accomplishments are the result of a Loving Lord, wonderful wife, son and daughter-in-law, special friend Carolyn Neal, the best Christian parents who taught me to be honest, work hard, have determination, act like a Christian, plus the many friends that deserve a "Gold Star'' for their efforts to help me."

Blake is survived by his son Mark (Mary) of Calhoun, as well as many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at Belmont Baptist Church on Saturday, December 28 from 1-3 p.m. with funeral immediately to follow with Eddie Brannon, Nan Barnette, and Danny Eggleston officiating. Pallbearers are Jackie Brannon, Larry Ferguson, Mike Holder, Levi Evans, Heath Mitchell, and Vince Polk.  Honorary pallbearers are Lewis Moore, Doug Ledford, and the members of the Sportsman Sunday School class.

The family would like to thank Lisa Williams for her help as Blake's caregiver, along with those at Advent-Gordon, Hamilton Memorial and Regency Rehab Dalton that assisted in his care.

The family asks that flowers be omitted. Donations can be made in Blake's honor to Good Samaritan Ministry, located at 373 Morrow Rd SE, Calhoun, GA 30701, or Gideons International.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Blake M. Putnam.