Clifton "Blake" Flanagan

Clifton "Blake" Flanagan, age 46, of Pelham, AL, passed away surrounded by his family on August 29, 2026. He was born to Steven Howard and Debra Flanagan on August 6, 1980, in Birmingham, AL.

Blake was a graduate of the University of Phoenix, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. He went on to have a career in Fiber Design with C Spire. On February 7, 2004, he married the love of his life, Celia Rebecca Bradsell. Together they built a life filled with love, companionship, and cherished memories.

Blake had a love for the outdoors; he enjoyed mountain biking, hiking, BMX racing, camping with his family, and playing disc golf. He thoroughly enjoyed any activities that allowed him to be in the beauty of the outdoors. Blake was proud that he was able to complete his 1st triathlon last year and enjoyed preparing for that bucket list goal! Blake also had a love for music and played the drums.

Blake was an amazing, inspiring Man who put God and Family first and would do anything for anybody. He spent his past year reading through the Bible for the third time in his life and talked frequently to his Family about God & Jesus. He had an amazing sense of humor and a heart of Gold. He was an amazing Uncle to numerous nieces and nephews, offering them insight into life, support, and most importantly, love. Blake was most proud of his two Sons, Tristen & River, who he poured his heart and soul into.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents: John Clyde Ratliff Jr., Elam Elmer Flanagan, and Mary Carolyn Flanagan.

Blake leaves behind his loving wife, Celia Bradsell Flanagan; sons, Tristen Blake and William "River" Flanagan; parents, Steven Howard and Debra Flanagan; siblings, Chrystal Flanagan Crumpton (Al) and John Steven Flanagan (Mary); grandmother, Barbara Snow Ratliff; father-in-law, Chief Warrant Officer Peter Bradsell (U.S. Army ret.), mother-in-law, Karen Roberts Bradsell, sister-in-law, Glennis Bradsell Porter (John), brother-in-law, Jacob Anthony Bradsell; nieces and nephews, Sarah Gail Crumpton, Abigail Gracelyn Flanagan, Ada Elizabeth Crumpton, Alvin Quarles Crumpton V, Anne Farrior Porter, and Wallace Hill Porter.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham. The family will conclude with a graveside service for immediate family and closest friends. The family asks that, in Blake's honor, everyone dress in their summer best, wearing no black.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like everyone to consider making memorial contributions to Tristen and River's college fund.The checks can be made to Fidelity Investments for Clifton & Celia Flanagan to go to Tristen & River's college fund. 700 Corporate Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35242.