KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Agencies aided the Knox County Sheriff’s Office as they honored one of their own on Friday.
Memorial services for Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Tucker Blakely, who died on Monday, began Friday with a procession leading to a celebration of life.
Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler announced on Oct. 3 evening that Blakely, 29, had died after he was shot while responding to a domestic call in the Hardin Valley area around 11:30 p.m. Sunday.
On Friday, starting at 8 a.m., a procession took Blakely’s body from Mynatt Funeral Home in Powell to Clear Springs Baptist Church in Corryton by way of Emory Road.
Blakely was laid in repose starting at 10 a.m. at Clear Springs Baptist Church, 7350 Tazewell Pike in Corryton. His celebration of life began at 2 p.m. The public was welcomed to pay their respects.
Loudon County Sheriff Jimmy Davis began the ceremony with a speech offering his department grief over the loss of Blakely and thanking KCSO for their support when LCSO lost an officer in 2022. Davis promised that his department would work to support KCSO.
Blakely’s wife, Katarina, spoke first. She shared that becoming a police officer was Tucker’s childhood dream.
“I want to start by sincerely saying thank you for the overwhelming support, not only from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, but every agency that has stepped up with unwavering love and kindness,” said Katarina, Blakely’s wife.
Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler also spoke about Blakely, saying he was the epitome of a public servant.
“Tucker always had a smile on his face. I’m not sure why. But I, after hearing some of the things I’ve heard today, I can understand why,” said Spangler.
Other speakers at the service included Blakely’s parents and uncle, his captain, Jason Overton, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and Representative Tim Burchett.
Numerous tributes and memorials have been coming in for Blakely since his death. On Oct. 3, law enforcement from across East Tennessee joined in a procession for Blakely, who took his body from UT Medical Center to a funeral home in Powell. Several law enforcement agencies and officials have also shared their respects for Blakely.
Blakely’s patrol car has been made into a memorial at the City-County building. People are welcome to visit the car and pay their respects. Memorials can also be left.
Blakely graduated from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy in November 2021. He was a graduate of Powell High School and a U.S. Army Veteran. He is survived by his wife Katarina and a 5-year-old son.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated.
