Terry Wayne Blankinship

He passed away peacefully at Falls River Assisted Living in Raleigh after a brave battle with dementia. We will always remember his generosity, thoughtfulness, kindness, humor, being a man of God, and how much he loved his family first and foremost. We will forever have a place in our hearts reserved for Papa T.

Born May 14, 1935, in Lynchburg, VA, he attended EC Glass High School and went on to attend NC State University earning a degree in Civil Engineering while serving in the US Army Reserve. Married to his high school sweetheart, Nora Jane Blankinship for 63 years, they met as teenagers in Lynchburg, VA, and moved to Raleigh in 1960 while starting a family.

His early career in Raleigh led him to become the owner of Cast-A-Stone Concrete Company, before starting his own company in 1978 named Benchmark Construction as a General Contractor. He ultimately transitioned toward a family business proudly working alongside his sons at Legacy Construction until he retired. Terry was well respected throughout his career in the construction business. He was actively involved in Urban Ministries of Wake County, Rotary Club of Raleigh, Millbrook Methodist Church, while continually meeting with his Bible Study group over the years.

A dedicated NC State Wolfpack fan and season ticket holder, Terry enjoyed many tailgate gatherings with his family and friends over the years. He was also an avid runner, skier and golfer. He was a regular tennis player at Raleigh Racquet Club and made many lifelong friends. Our annual trips to North Carolina beaches were always a special time for Pop Pop, where he would watch his family bond and grow together.

Terry was preceded in death by his mother, Lera Blankinship of Lynchburg. He leaves behind his wife, Nora Jane Blankinship; Daughter - Laura Blankinship Henry and her husband David Henry of Raleigh; Son - Mark Blankinship and his wife Wendy Blankinship of Raleigh, Daughter - Leigh Pierce and her husband Steve Pierce of Richmond; son - Matt Blankinship and his wife Wendy Blankinship of Raleigh. His beloved grandchildren: Tucker Blankinship (Raleigh), Robbie Blankinship (Greensboro), Bodie Blankinship (Raleigh), Avrie Pierce (Richmond) Brock Blankinship (Raleigh), Peyton Pierce (Richmond) & Brynna Blankinship (Raleigh).

The family will be receiving visitors on Wednesday, May 24th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home located at 1701 East Millbrook Road in Raleigh. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 25th at 1:00 pm at Millbrook Methodist Church located on 1712 East Millbrook Road in Raleigh.

Family will come together for a graveside gathering immediately following funeral services.

We would like to thank the staff of Falls River Village for taking such good care of our dad, their unwavering support to the family and bringing him coffee on the regular!

If moved to do so, memorial donations can be made to Dementia Alliance of North Carolina, or the American Heart Association by following the links below under "donations"

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared for the Blankinship family by clicking "add a memory" below.