Blake Loyd Duckworth

Blake Loyd Duckworth, 57, of Temple died on May 28, 2022, after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on December 29, 1964, in Bogalusa, Louisiana to Joseph and Carolyn (Paul) Duckworth, who predeceased him. He graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in Montgomery, Alabama in 1983 and from Auburn University in 1990. Blake started his career in medical sales, spent nearly 15 years in pharmaceutical sales, changed career paths, and spent 4 years as a fundraiser for the Southern Poverty Law Center. For the last several years he sold farm fresh eggs and vegetables at the Acworth Farmers Market. In 2012 he received his culinary certificate from Le Cordon Bleu. Blake treasured the last years of life living on his farm, and he loved to end the day by sitting on the front porch and watching a sunset. Blake was an animal lover and any of the many dogs he adopted over the years was lucky to have him as an owner. He enjoyed growing and putting up vegetables each summer and would labor to plan and cook a multi-course meal for family and friends during the holidays or special occasions. Blake had an infectious laugh, was the life of a party, and had a knack for throwing out zingers. He was well-loved and touched the lives of so many over his too-short 57 years. Blake refused to let cancer stop him from enjoying life in the time he had remaining after his diagnosis. To ensure he had an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, he planned multiple trips all occurring within a few weeks of each other. One of those trips was to a favorite travel destination of his – the beach. The beach was always a respite for Blake. Blake is survived by his spouse Drew Smith, daughters Lauren Compton (Chris) and Chandler Duckworth, granddaughters Chesney and Presley, brother Jeff (Kristen), and many cousins. Blake will be cremated and celebrations of life will be held at later dates per his wishes. In lieu of flowers or live plants, the family requests memorial contributions in Blake’s name be made to Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute or Best Friends Animal Society.