Carlton Blankenship

MARION, VIRGINIA: DR. CARLTON EDWARD BLANKENSHIP, age 84, died Sunday, February 11, 2007 in Francis Marion Manor Nursing Home. Born June 26, 1922 in Ringgold, Virginia, he was the son of the late Earl D. and Mary Henderson Blankenship. He was a graduate of Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, received a Master's in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, a Master's in Education from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, and also held a Doctorate of Ministries. Carlton was a Baptist Minister for over 50 years having served churches in Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia and most recently served as the Senior Adult Pastor at Marion Baptist Church. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the United States Army, a member of the Francis Marion V.F.W. Post #4667, the Marion Kiwanis Club, and the Marion Lions Club. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Leone Hill Blankenship of Marion, Virginia; One daughter, Karen Blankenship Mason and husband, Bryan of Marietta, Georgia; Two sons, Carlton E. Blankenship, Jr. of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Dr. Joe G. Blankenship and wife, Terri of Marion, Virginia; Five grandchildren, Nicole Mason, Joey Blankenship, Natalie LoPresti, Ashley Blankenship, and Steven Bryan "Bo" Mason; Two brothers, Daniel B. Blankenship of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, and Jack W. Blankenship of Snow Creek, Virginia. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at the Marion Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. Mark Ross and Rev. Neville Mozingo officiating. Entombment will follow in Rose Lawn Mausoleum, Marion, Virginia where military rites will be conducted by Marion V.F.W. Post #4667. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. Those who wish may make memorials to the Marion Baptist Church, 1258 North Main Street, Marion, Virginia 24354. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service is serving the Blankenship Family.