Deacon Ralph Mitchell Blakes, Sr., 52 of 355 Alspaugh Dr. A beloved son, father, brother, uncle, and friend went to his Heavenly home Friday, May 25, 2007. He was born March 7, 1955 in Forsyth County to James Blakes and Margaret Blakes.

Mr. Blakes was a 1975 graduate of Central High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during his tour of duty he served as a Military Policeman (MP). Later, he attended Forsyth Technical School majoring in auto mechanics and welding. He was employed at Hanes Knitwear for several years before finding his niche at "Pyramid Barber School." He owned and operated "Twice As Nice" Barber Shop with his twin brother Randolph. After mastering the craft of "barbering," He became an instructor in Mt. Airy, NC at Darby's Barber Shop.

Mr. Blakes was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Blakes; his beloved niece, Margaret Blakes Alexander; grandmother, Katie Thomas; aunts, Mary Gratham, Juanita Lockhart, Susanna Jenkins; and a brother, Ivan Blakes.

He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted and loving children, Sonya LaVette "Pookie" and Ralph Mitchell Blakes, Jr. "Little Ralph;" his father, James Blakes; extended family, Nicole Conrad; his loving siblings three brothers, Walter, Johnny (Yolanda), and Randolph (best friend and twin); a devoted sister Mary Blakes White; several precious nieces and nephews; Shante, Amina, Desiree, Brita, Tankia, Brian, and Mike; a devoted friend, Gilda Hart; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am Saturday, June 2, 2007 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend William Brim officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Family visitation will be held from 10 am until 11 am Saturday at the Funeral Home. The funeral cortege will assemble and leave from the residence of Mary White at 136 Dunleith Ave.