Reverend Stephen Michael Blake, 60 of Ridgeland, S.C., husband of Melanie Blake, passed away on April 3, 2016, at his home.

Reverend Blake was born in Houston, Texas, on September 25, 1955, to Ina Myrtle Knight Blake and the late Frank Blake. Reverend Blake graduated from Charleston Southern University; received a Masters in Counseling from N.C. State University; and Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Seminary in Charlotte, N.C. Reverend Blake was actively serving as the pastor of the Ridgeland Advent Christian Church for the past 10 years and formerly pastor of Savannah Advent Christian Church for 5 years. Reverend Blake was a mental health and guidance counselor for many years. Reverend Blake served in the U.S. Navy; he enjoyed photography, shopping in Thrift shops, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.

Reverend Blake is survived by his wife, Melanie Allen Blake, of Ridgeland; his mother, Ina Myrtle Blake, of Salters, SC; daughter, Chelsea Clites (Matthew), of Walterboro, S.C.; daughter-in-law, Patricia Blake, of Simpsonville, S.C.; sisters, Melinda McCrea (Marion), of Slaters, S.C. and Diane Umphlett, of Kingstree, S.C.; grandchildren, Farrah Blake, Xander Blake and Joshua Zeddicus Clites and several nieces and nephews. Reverend Blake is predeceased by his son, Josh Blake.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2016, at Sauls Funeral Home, 310 W. Adams St., Ridgeland. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 9, 2016, at the Ridgeland Advent Christian Church. Burial will be at 12:00 noon, Monday, April 11, 2016, at Grace Advent Christian Church Cemetery in Walterboro, S.C.. Family and friends are invited to meet at Sauls Funeral Home, 310 W. Adams St., Ridgeland at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 11th for processional to the cemetery.