William Mark Blankenship

On Tuesday, February 26, 2013, William Mark Blankenship, our beloved son and brother, left this earth to that eternal life of love and peace with God in heaven. Born in Albany, Georgia, January 21, 1987 to Walter M. and Elaine H. Blankenship, a beloved brother of Sgt. John Michael Blankenship, U.S. Army 1st SFG, Fort Lewis, WA and Abby Rebekah Blankenship of Chicago, IL. He is also survived by a warm and loving extended family.

Mark will always be remembered for his keen wit and sense of humor that always brought a smile, his love and constant encouragement to others. He never met a man or animal that he did not like, accepting everyone for who/what they were and where they were, never judging, never asking for anything personally, ever giving, ever loving. A most tender heart. This love was reciprocated in spades. Mark was a young man of brilliant intellect and promise. He was a double major senior at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, GA. Mark loved reading and discovery, taking every opportunity to tutor, nurture, and help others.

As a family who walked with our son and brother down difficult roads, we would like his life to stand as an encouragement and hope to others. Our prayer is that he will not be defined by death…but the life he lived. He was trustworthy, a loyal friend, son, brother.

Our family would like to express our sincere appreciation for his health care providers, his instructors at GSW, and his plethora of faithful friends. As a family we are grateful and have been buoyed by the outpouring of love and care shown. Like a falling star in the dark of night, Mark was a glowing light, whose beauty was beheld but for a moment, touching our lives and changing them forever. We thank God for his life, his gifts to us. He will be dearly missed.

The family would like to extend our love and appreciation to those who loved Mark and have stood with our family. Visitation will be at Mathews Funeral Home on Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 5:00-6:30 pm. A memorial service will be held at Mathews on Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 2:00 pm.

Our desire is to remember Mark by paying it forward to others that may need encouragement and hope, as well as an organization that brought much laughter and expression of creativity. If desired the family asks that contributions be made "In Memory of Mark" to either: The Anchorage, Inc. P.O. Box 71774, Albany, GA 31708 or Theatre Albany, P.O. Box 552, Albany, GA 31702.