Departed this life on November 18, in a local infirmary at Columbia, Tennessee, at the age of 61 years. Brother Blades was born near Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He professed faith in Christ in early life and united with the Methodist Church, felt the call to preach the gospel and was licensed in that Church in 1900.

He was married to Miss Nellie Crow in 1900. To this union were born three sons: R. R. of McKenzie, William of Lebanon, Tennessee, and R. A. of Childersburg, Alabama. Beside these there survive: his wife, four grandchildren, two brothers, one sister, and a host of loved ones.

In 1906 he placed his letter in Clarksville Presbytery and was ordained to the full work of the ministry in 1908. Since that time he served many churches in the denomination in Tennessee, Indiana, and Alabama. A few months ago he came back to McCains, where he had pastored once before for a period of nine years.

Brother Blades has done a great work through his ministry. Many souls have been led to Christ and many believers have been brought closer to God through his efforts.

The wife has lost a good husband, the children a kind father, and the Church a great and good man.

The funeral service was conducted in the McCains church by Rev. A. H. Sykes of Nashville, assisted by Rev. E. Rueb of Columbia, Rev. R. S. Lamb of Culleoka, Rev. J. M. Forsythe of Hohenwald, Rev. W. M. Zarecor of Lebanon, Tennessee, and Rev. J. T. Jones of Stevenson, Alabama. The body was laid to rest in McCains Cemetery beneath a bank of beautiful flowers, in the presence of a large group of friends and loved ones.

We bow in humble submission to the will of God, knowing our loss is heaven's gain. We extend to the family, loved ones, and friends our deepest heartfelt sympathy in this hour of sorrow.--Rev. A. H. Sykes.

[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, December 4, 1941, page 17]

Sermon in The Cumberland Presbyterian, October 27, 1938, page 3.
   Blades, W. A. "The Matchless Love of God."