Rockdale Citizen

J. B. Blankenship

Mr. J. B. Blankenship of Conyers passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at the age of 91. He was born in Rockdale County on November 16, 1920 to the late Joseph Newton and Iris Dempsey Blankenship. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Beatrice Blankenship and two daughters, Patsy and Ron Holmes and Donna and Edmond Norton, all of Conyers. He loved and was so proud of his two grandchildren, Daphne Norton and finance’, Bud Johns of Suwanee and Craig Collins of Dacula. He was predeceased by all his siblings, Raymond, Randall, Ethel, Stella, John, Clifford and Clyde but survived by many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by three step-granddaughters, Rhonda and husband, Eric Regan of Alpharetta, Robin Roehrich of Alpharetta and Melanie and John Brooks of Grayson and four step-great-grandchildren, Josh, Blane, Rachel and Luke. Mr. Blankenship served in the Civilian Conservation Corps from April 1938 to June 1940 and proudly served his country in WWII after enlisting in the Army in October of 1940. After more than 20 years of service, he retired from the Army in 1960 and began other career pursuits. He was one of the first two paid firemen for Rockdale County. He worked for the US Postal Service until mandatory retirement and then enjoyed the time he worked for Rockdale County and Georgia Power. He was a member of Milstead Baptist Church and enjoyed gardening, woodworking, fishing and helping others with his many “handy-man” skills. He is much loved and will be long remembered by his family and many friends. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Scot Ward’s Green Meadow Chapel with Tim Hunter, Charles Lewis, and Weymon Rutledge officiating; interment will follow at East View Cemetery. Family will receive friends Tuesday, April 17, 2012 from 2 until 4 p.m. and 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.