Blake Lindley Andrew, Sr.

Blake Lindley Andrew Sr., 94, of Snow Camp, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025, at Chatham Hospital in Siler City. He was born in Chatham County on March 12, 1931, the son of the late James Harvey and Mary Blanche Lindley Andrew. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca (Becky) Andrew; daughters, Gayla Dawn Andrew and Janie Andrew Lindley; son, Kenneth Mark (Kenny) Andrew; and brothers, Murray Milton Andrew, Phillip Rader Andrew, and Donald Keith Andrew. 

Blake was a 1949 graduate of Silk Hope High School. He spent his entire life on the farm, most of it devoted to raising poultry. He took pride in the hard work, the routine, and the quiet rewards of farm life. Though he also worked with dairy cattle, poultry was his passion and livelihood.

Blake had a deep loyalty to Ford—he swore by them—and owned just one Chevrolet in his lifetime, a concession to his daughter Janie who begged for a Monte Carlo.

In the evenings, Blake could most often be found at the kitchen table with a deck of Rook cards in his hand. A master of the game, he was known at every community Rook party as the player to beat. No one really wanted to be his partner—not because they didn’t admire him, but because he was so sharp and competitive, folks were afraid of playing the wrong card. His love of the game was really a love for the people he played it with.

One of Blake’s most remarkable traits was his vast knowledge and impeccable memory. He could converse about any topic and recall birthdays, anniversaries, and phone numbers without ever needing to write them down. He could tell you what year the barn was built, what the price of feed was in ’62, and what card you played two games ago. His memory wasn’t just impressive—it was a living archive of family history, community stories, and practical wisdom.

In his later years, Blake found peace in quiet mornings spent watching the birds out his window. He enjoyed visits from neighbors and family, always ready with a story from the “good old days.” He was especially proud of his grandchildren, and anyone who stopped by would hear about their accomplishments.

A birthright member of South Fork Friends Meeting, Blake was a man of faith, family, and quiet strength. He will be remembered for his strong handshake, the breadth of his knowledge, unbeatable Rook game, and deep love for those around him.

He is survived by his son, Blake Lindley (Lin) Andrew Jr. and wife Angie; grandchildren Alyce Lindley Phillips (Mack), Mike Lindley (Tiffany), Brandon Andrew, Mary Lindley Needham (Andrew), Lindley Andrew, Brady Andrew, and Carisa Andrew; great-grandchildren Dakota Collet, Eli Rodriguez, Janie and Murphy Phillips, Bristol and Leah Lindley; sister Jane Andrew Lindley; son-in-law Mike Lindley; numerous nieces and nephews; special family friends Armando and Yaneli Cervantes; and devoted caregiver Carolyn Handley.

A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, June 18, at 3 p.m. at South Fork Friends Meeting, with burial to follow. The family will greet friends following the burial in the church chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Janie Lindley Music Fund or the Memorial Association at South Fork Friends Meeting, 359 South Fork Bethel Rd., Snow Camp, NC 27349.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is assisting the Andrew family.

Online condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com