Blake Penix, 31, of Newport News, Virginia died Wednesday, November 27 2024 in an automobile accident on his way home for the Thanksgiving holiday. The Wayne County native had lived in Jesup all his life until after graduation from Wayne County High school in 2011 and was a life-long member of Calvary Baptist Church where his faith was nourished in guiding his lifetime commitments. He presently attended Menchville Baptist Church in Virgina and worked with the AWANA program.  Blake played football for Wayne County High and received many awards including the Jimmy Sullivan award. Upon completion of high school, he accepted a football scholarship to the Shipbuilding Program of Newport News and played for the Apprentice School football team as a kicker/punter while completing a 4- year marine electrical apprenticeship and earning an Associate's Degree in Engineering. After graduation, Blake was promoted to an Electrical Foreman position where he led a crew of electricians working Fiber Optic and Combat System installations and testing on Nuclear Aircraft Carriers. In his most recent position, Blake served as an Electrical General Foreman for two years where he was responsible for the success of several electrical foremen and their respective crews. He received several Warfighter of the Week awards while in all three positions and was selected for a Model of Excellence award which is one of the highest awards available at Newport News Shipbuilding.

Survivors are his wife of 2 months, Star Penix of Newport News, Virginia; his parents, Terry and Sandra Penix of Jesup; a brother, Matthew (Andrea) Penix; nieces, Suzannah, Mollie and nephew, Noah, all of Fernandina Beach Florida; a sister, Kellie Penix and niece, Zarria Penix of Statesboro; grandparents, Doris Madray of Statesboro and Wendell (Debbie) Madray of Brunswick; in-laws, Scott and Debbie  D'Auria; grandmother in law, Karen Marriott, all of California;  many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.

A celebration of Blake's life will be 2 PM Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Vann Dempsey and Pastor Pete Boyd officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 PM prior to services at the church.

Remembrances can be made to Calvary Baptist Church Children's Building Program, P.O. Box 9, Jesup, GA 31598.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup assisted locally with arrangements.