BETHANY
Blankenship, Billy James, 83, diesel mechanic, died Oct. 4. Memorial services 11 a.m. Saturday, Canadian County Cowboy Church, Yukon (OK Cremation, Oklahoma City).

Published in The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Friday, October 6, 2017, Page 5A.



Billy James Blankenship, beloved husband, daddy, grandpa, and great-grandpa. Bill was born April 4, 1934 in Pottsboro, Grayson County, TX to Earnest Lee and Avis Marie (Watson) Blankenship. Bill went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 in Edmond, OK at his son’s home.

Bill was a graduate of Sherman High School, Sherman, TX. On September 6, 1955 he married Doris Evelyn Ford and they were married for 55 years until Doris’ death in 2010. Three children were born to them: Carl Thomas Blankenship of Edmond, OK; James Earl Blankenship of Yukon, OK; and Elizabeth (Beth) Blankenship of Bethany, OK.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army. Bill and Doris moved to Oklahoma City in 1961 where he was a diesel mechanic for Cummins Diesel for 37 years. His dream after retirement was to drive the big trucks cross country with his wife Doris which they did for a short time. He had attended and was active at the Portland Avenue Baptist Church for almost 20 years. Bill was heavily involved in the Woodmen of the World having served in all local and jurisdictional offices. He was also a member of the American Legion and served in many offices.

Bill and Doris enjoyed traveling and taking their children and grandchildren with them. The family has many fond memories of their adventures and misadventures during these travels. Bill and Beth were planning a trip when he became ill. Bill was very social and never meet a stranger. Once, on a trip to see family in Texas for the weekend, he and Doris encountered a group of college kids on a mission trip to Mexico for spring break whose car had broken down on I-35 in southern Oklahoma. They stayed with them until the tow truck arrived then loaded the kids in their car and took them to their destination near the Mexico border. One of many examples of them serving others.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Doris, of 55 years; sisters, Rhetta Lynett Jebbins, and Maxine Lavelle Grigg; and special friend/companion Shirley Pritchett.

He is survived by his three children, Carl, Earl, and Beth and their families; 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren also being known as “grandpa” to many others; and many friends especially at the Danforth Senior Living Center.

The family suggests that memorials be given to the Portland Avenue Baptist Men’s Rewired Scholarship Fund or to the Salvation Army’s Danforth Senior Living Center.

Memorial Service will be Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Canadian County Cowboy Church, 550 E. Main St., Yukon, OK 73099 with interment on Monday, October 9, 2017 at 1:00 pm at the Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Sherman, TX.