We are sad to announce that the man with the brightest smile ever also known as Ted Blakeman embarked on his final adventure on June 13, 2026.

Born on August 25, 1948 in Highland Park, Michigan. Ted was tenacious in his affection for his siblings. Whether he was aggravating his older brother or dragging his sister in a head lock around on his paper route. Ted had a competitive approach to life which led him to many types of competitive sports. He wrestled in high school, learned to play tennis with his brother which he played most of his life. He raced his hot rods at various drag strips in Michigan and won many races.

Ted grew up learning a strong work ethic under his father’s tutelage. While working at his father’s development of a mobile home park, he was led on a career path in construction. All the while he took advantage of any free time to be adventurous whether it was motorcross riding with his buddies or sailing an ice sailboat on a frozen lake, he was always looking for the next thrill. Mind you the ice boat he built was his own design while he was still in high school. Ted had a need for speed and loved racing his hot rods including a Tempest, GTO and his beloved 1965 Stingray Corvette. He continued on that path by taking up hang gliding and the sailing. Luckily the hang gliding only resulted in minor injuries and a respect for the ground. Ted’s first sailboat was a Catalina, however it wasn’t fast enough so he swapped it out for an 18’ Hobie Catamaran.

Ted’s building career started in Michigan as a laborer. He quickly advanced in the company and eventually became a Residential and then Certified General Contractor. Ted was tickled to become a father to Justin Michael Blakeman with his first wife, Molly. Ted’s adventurous spirit led them to move to Florida to start a new construction business in Ormond Beach, Florida. Ted went on to build several homes and after obtaining General Contractor License in Florida, built Windermere Shores, a 33-unit ocean front condominium.

Ted continued to express his competitive spirit by joining Hobie Fleet 80. He was able to race in several local and statewide regattas and winning lots more trophies. He also became a member of Volusia County Homebuilders Association and participated in their builder competitions winning several awards. He was extremely proud to have won Best in Show in 1990.

Ted met the love of his life on a beach in 1984 and they quickly became inseparable. Shelley became Ted’s permanent crew for sailing. They got engaged during an awesome bareboat sailing trip in the Virgin Islands and then were married in 1987. A year later they welcomed their daughter, Chelsea Ann.

Ted was loved by his family and friends and could always be counted on for his wicked sense of humor. One of his best lines was he gave Shelley 30 days after marriage to prove she wasn’t barren because he didn’t need to get married just to have a girlfriend. After a few extensions, they learned that Chelsea was on the way.

A few years later, Ted and family relocated to Orlando and he continued building homes and working as a general contractor until he retired in 2014. In 2002 Ted joined the Corvette Club of Orlando after he acquired a new corvette and enjoyed many fun trips and parties with new friends.

Besides his loving wife, Shelley Miller; he is survived by two children, Justin Blakeman and wife (Carol Chiang) Atlantic Beach, FL and Chelsea Blakeman, Orlando, FL. Three siblings, Patricia (Larry) Veatch, Gainesville, FL; Lisa (Clayton) Hisler, Kalamazoo, MI; and Cindy Jo (Mark) Kereston, Gainesville, FL. Two grandchildren, Dane Chiang Blakeman and Piper Chiang Blakeman and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents Edmund and Gladys Blakeman and brother Ron Blakeman.

Shelley and Ted’s family would like to thank Certus Memory Care and Cornerstone Hospice for their compassion and care for Ted during his stay. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 25, 2026 at Presbyterian Church of the Lakes, 4700 Lincoln Avenue, Orlando, FL.

Ted’s arrangements are in the caring guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremation, 1132 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787. In lieu of flowers, the family donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinsons Foundation.