The family of a Knox County Sheriff's Deputy who was killed in the line of duty last year has chosen to honor his memory in a unique way. Deputy Tucker Blakely, who died after being shot while responding to a domestic call on October 1, 2023, would have celebrated his 30th birthday this month. Instead of traditional remembrance, Blakely's family has urged the public to contribute to the Union County Humane Society – a cause close to the fallen deputy's heart. Blakely was known to be an avid animal lover, and his family intends to commemorate his compassion for animals through this act of charity.
In a statement obtained by WVLT, Blakely's brother, Ty, who is also the mayor of Maynardville, took to social media to increase the fundraiser's reach. The family, together with the director of the humane society, encouraged everyone who wishes to honor Tucker's legacy to donate. The gesture seeks to not only to perpetuate his memory but also to give back to the community that has supported the Blakelys through their grief.
This act of giving has been seen by the Blakely family as an opportunity to reciprocate the love that the community had bestowed upon them after Tucker's passing. "We just want to give back to the community that gave back so much to us when Tucker passed and we know that Tucker would love this opportunity to be able to give back to humane societies," Ty Blakely said in an interview with WBIR. Tucker, who was the younger of the two brothers by ten years, shared a special bond with Ty, evolving over the years into a profound kinship.
The remembrance initiative has highlighted the community spirit that rose in the wake of the tragedy. Ty recalled to WATE how the support surged: "When Tucker passed, I’ve never personally seen a community rally behind a family so much like they did ours." Strangers and acquaintances alike had reached out to share stories of Tucker, a gesture that clearly touched the family and reinforced their will to pay forward the kindness they received.
