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| Blake stands in front of the ceremonial sword of General Griffin |
“Participating in any cause that enhances the quality of life of the citizens of Griffin is important to me, as it has been for six generations of our family,” said Otis Blake, Jr. as he accepted the title of 2011 General Griffin at the 98th Annual Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce dinner.
“Our family believes in Griffin and also values the spirit of such a caring, dynamic community. I am thankful for my own experience of growing up here, and that our children and grandchildren have such a place to call home,” he continued.
As a Griffin native, Blake has many fond memories of growing up in Griffin. His father owned stables in the alley downtown, and he remembers “Men would come sit around the stable and visit while their wives were shopping. If a man was interested in a mule they would trot him up the street toward Solomon. It was the ‘test drive’ of the day.”
Blake graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology and then served two years in the Air Force, stationed in Ohio. After finishing his service, he returned to Griffin, where he started a family and eventually two businesses.
“My opportunity was here. I frequently heard, “I did business with your father, or your grandfather and it was just such a good business experience,’” said Blake. “I treasure our good reputation.”
Blake began building houses upon his return to Griffin, so it “seemed logical to start a building supply,” he said. In 1958, he married his wife, Nancy, and began Blake Builder’s Supply. “The motto of Blake Builder’s Supply was ‘the home of quality.’ Our goal was to provided excellent customer service and quality material,” Blake said.
In 1986, Blake and Nancy started General Storage next door to Blake Builder’s Supply. Though they sold the builder’s supply in 1999, General Storage is still a Blake family business.
The Blakes reared three children – Nancy, Louise and Otis. Nancy and Louise now live in the Carolinas, and Otis Blake III has joined the Blake Developments team.
Nancy and Otis’s grandchildren are the sixth generation of Blakes to grow up in Griffin. Blake’s deep family roots here, as well as his grandchildren’s futures, inspire his commitment to the Griffin community.
Along with being involved with many service and volunteer groups in the area, Blake has a large interest in education. He has been involved with the Griffin Tech Foundation since its inception around 1988, and for the last six years, has served as chairman of the foundation, which helps to raise money for the school.
“We were a textile town for so many years, and when textiles went out, these people needed to be retrained,” Blake said when explaining his dedication to education.
Blake has also served as a trustee on the Georgia Foundation of Independent Colleges since 1984. “[Education] is so critical for people to experience their full potential, and for the growth and development of a community,” said Blake.
When citing Blake’s many community involvements, the list spans two pages; yet, Blake doesn’t care to dwell on the details. Blake emphasizes that Griffin was a great community before his time, and that he is glad to have the chance to carry the torch. In fact, he plays down his volunteerism, saying, “When you’re in a town and have 53 years of experience there, it’s just routine that you get involved in it.”
But he does appreciate the recognition of being named the 2011 General Griffin. “Being named General Griffin is quite an honor,” said Blake. “Following the example of past General Griffins, I look forward to encouraging the endeavors that help us to continue to build on the high standards of our past, and to reach for the exciting possibilities of our potential,” said Blake when finishing his acceptance speech.
Serving as General Griffin, Blake will help with Business After Hours, the Griffin Mayfling and the Fourth of July Parade, representing the “Spirit of Griffin” in addition to his current community involvement. And even at 78 years of age, Blake has no thoughts of retirement. “People ask me, ‘Why don’t you retire?’ but I just don’t believe in it. I think a man needs a reason to get up in the morning and have somewhere he has to go,” said Blake.
The GRIP 
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