Anthony Allen "Al" Blankinship

 Anthony Allen "Al" Blankinship, 77, resident of the Walnut Community and U.S. Army Veteran, passed away Sunday evening May 7, 2017 at the Mississippi Care Center in Corinth following a brief illness.
  Funeral Services, with Military Honors, will be at 2 PM Thursday May 11 at New Covenant Church in Falkner with Bro. Titus Mathis officiating. Burial will follow in the Community Cemetery near Walnut.
  Born March 1, 1940 in Jacksonville, FL, he was the son of the late Norman and Amy Woods Blankinship. Al received his education in the Duval County Public School System in Florida and served as a U.S. Army Veteran from 1962 to 1966. He moved with his family at an early age to North Mississippi and had been a resident of the Walnut and Alcorn County areas for much of his life.
  Al was a Christian and had been a member of the MS National Guard in earlier years. He was a self employed carpenter for much of his life before retiring 12 years ago. He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Lillie Katherine Hunt of the Brownfield Community who died November 10, 2011.
  Al will be remembered as a family oriented person who loved his home and community. He found much pleasure in nature as an avid bird watcher and enjoyed classic Western movies.
  Those left to honor his memory include: 2 daughters, Terri Blankinship of Jacksonville, FL and Shelia Wardlow (Richard) of Pocahontas, TN, 5 grandchildren, Donnie King, John Harris, Shelby Taylor, Maggie Kuszynski and Callie Wardlow, a great granddaughter, Lillie Harris and special friends, Maw , Po and Leeanne Taylor. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Angela Blankinship, a son, Allen Blankinship, and 2 grandchildren, Phillip Blankinship and Emily Taylor.
  The family would like express their gratitude to the staff of the Mississippi Care Center for the care and concern shown to Mr. Blankinship and his family.
  The flag at The Ripley Funeral Home entrance honors Mr. Blankinship and all Veterans for their service to our country. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

The Ripley Funeral Home is honored to serve the Blankenship family and invites you to sign the guestbook and share memories.