James W. Blankenship

Gastonia ' James William 'Willie' Blankenship, 75 of 413 Rhyne Circle Passed away April 26, 2012 at Gaston Memorial Hospital.

He was a native of Gaston County, born July 2, 1936 to the late Sulcer Spratt Blankenship and Patsy Ruth Miller Clemmer

He was preceded in death by his Parents

Willie was a U.S. Air Force veteran and was a member of American Legion. He loved boxing and was a Golden Glove Boxer in the 60's and also loved textile league softball. Willie was an avid antiques collector and enjoyed working in the garden

Survivors include his wife of 57 plus years Mildred Davis Blankenship,
son James William Blankenship, Jr. & wife Susan of Dallas,
daughter Rowena B. Morrison & husband Jimmy of Vale,
step mother Pearl Blankenship and stepfather A.E. Clemmer Jr.,
brothers Andy Clemmer and Carl 'Toby' Blankenship,
sisters Patty Eller & husband Joe and Bonnie King all of Gastonia
grandchildren Blaine Fisher and Nicholas Fisher,
step grandchildren Sandra Parker, Michelle Parker, Nathan Morrison and Shawn Morrison.

Celebration of Life service will be 2:00pm Monday, April 30, 2012 at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. William Calvert officiating.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00pm Sunday, April 29 at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home.

Interment will be at Gaston Memorial Park with the Releasing of the Doves
Memorials may be made at the donor's choice.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com
The family is being cared for by Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Rd Gastonia, 704-864-5144