In 1945, he graduated from Nacogdoches High School, and then attended Texas A&M University for 1 year before enrolling in the US Navy to fight in World War II.

After returning to Nacogdoches he began to attend Stephen F. Austin State University where he graduated in 1950.

[4] Blake died on March 4, 2017, at his home in Nacogdoches, Texas, at the age 88; he was under hospice care.

His funeral was held at First United Methodist Church Nacogdoches, and was officiated by Dr. Jeff McDonald.

Blake was a strong proponent of local governments throughout his career, and earned recognition from Texas Municipal League.