He was born Oct. 18, 1945, to John and Ollie Blankenship; both preceded him in death.
A graduate of Bradley Central High School, he attended both Cleveland State Community College and Lee College. After school, he served his country in Vietnam in the United States Army. Upon discharge from the service, he stayed abroad working for Fleur Oil and Aramco Oil companies in Saudi Arabia. His work and travels abroad nurtured his interests in cultural and fine arts. As a young man, he attended the South Cleveland Church of God. He also worshipped at City Church in Chattanooga.
Most recently, he has been affiliated with The Salvation Army, doing what he believed was his ministry of service. As the social service coordinator at The Salvation Army, Cleveland, he helped meet the needs of those in the community who were socio-economically compromised. He always greeted them with kindness, compassion and care.
His life was a great testimony of God’s goodness and redemptive grace. He will be greatly missed by his co-workers at the Salvation Army and his many friends.
A private interment will be held Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, at 11:30 a.m. at the National Cemetery of Chattanooga in honor of his military service.
A memorial service will be held at The Salvation Army Chapel at a later date.
He asked that donations be made to The Salvation Army, Cleveland, Social Services Department in his memory.
Fike Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
You are invited to send a message of condolence and view the Blankenship family guestbook at www.fikefh.com.
