SGM (Ret.) William Bert Blankenship Jr., age 86, of Columbus, died on Monday, August 1, 2016 at his residence. Funeral Services are scheduled on Thursday, August 4, 2016 in Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby, 4071 Macon Road Columbus, at 10:00am. Interment will follow in Main Post Cemetery, Fort Benning. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 from 5:00-7:00pm at the funeral home.
Mr. Blankenship, son of the late William Bert Blankenship Sr. and Ethel Steele Blankenship, was born December 17, 1929 in Richlands, VA. He served our country honorably and retired as SGM in the U.S. Army. Mr. Blankenship was a Competition Marksman, his shooting career started in 1953 with rifle and pistol at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He was a member of the All Army Rifle Team and All Army Pistol Squad until retirement from the Army Marksmenship Training Unit in 1970. Mr. Blankenship was a Gold Medalist in the World Games of 1966 for both team and individual, a six time National Champion, five times being consecutive.
Other than his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Helen Brennan Blankenship; and brother, Lesley Blankenship.
Mr. Blankenship is survived by his daughter, Linda Blankenship Hamlett; and son, William E. Blankenship.
Condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.
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