Henry "Joe" Blankenship
July 26, 1940 ~ September 9, 2023
Born in:
Black Mountain, NC
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Henry “Joe” Blankenship, 83, passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2023.
A native of Black Mountain, NC, Joe was a son of the late John Wade and Gloria Lockhart Blankenship. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Doris Harvey, and brother, J.W. Blankenship.
Mr. Blankenship retired from Philip Morris USA after 31 years. He was a charter member of the Asheville Boat & Ski Club, a longtime camper at the Lake James Campground, and served as the “Mayor” of the Enka Lake Lane Compound. He loved golfing, traveling in the RV (he visited 48 states), winters in Sarasota, FL, mowing grass (when it wasn’t too hot), NASCAR races, Tar Heel basketball, family functions with all of the homemade food, and cruising around the compound in the golf cart with his great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Julia “Gaye” Sprinkle Blankenship; daughter, Jill Blankenship (Missy); son, Brent Blankenship (Sarah); granddaughters, Hannah Johnston (Jeffry) and Lauren Jamison (Will); great-grandchildren, Aubrey Jamison, Eva Jamison, and Baby Johnston on the way; sisters, Lois Nix and Nana Hensley; and brothers, Frank, Ronald, Donald, Roy and Marshall Blankenship.
His family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. The Rev. Roy Houston will officiate. For those unable to attend, a livestream of the service will be available on this page at service time. Burial will then take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
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Services
Visitation: September 14, 2023 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Funeral Service: September 14, 2023 3:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Burial: September 14, 2023 4:15 pm
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
1498 Sand Hill Rd.
Candler, NC 28715
(828)667-8715
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Uncle Joe. He has been a very special part of my life since the Teaberry gum days. Only fond and warm memories when I think of him and Gaye
Joe – a very special friend. Haven’t seen you often over the last few years, however, you always gave me a big hug. The last time was in the parking lot at Corner Grill. I will treasure these memories always my friend!
So sorry for your loss praying for you and the family and his friends God bless you all be safe
Thought alot of Joe and Gaye. They are like family ,Joe will be greatly missed.
Love!
Brent and Jill we grieve with you on the loss of your father but celebrate the promises contained in Jesus’ resurrection. We will see one another again.
I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was a special person. Prayers of comfort for the family.
One of my greatest heroes and excellent role model. Sending love and praying for all of your wonderful family. Tommy and Susan Freeman
I remember the Sunday Gaye and Joe met and the rest is history! To say Joe will be missed is an under statement.
Gaye and family, you have my prayers! You have always been special to me.
Love you, Marlene
My thoughts are with you and your family during this time of loss.
I didn’t know him that well. But to have raised a boy, in to the man that you have become. Mr. Joe, had a pretty good grip on life and how it was supposed to be.
This is a time for reflection, love and laughter!
Gaye Brent Jill & Family
Our prayers for all of you as you grieve the loss of
Your SPECIAL Person of your life. Joe was “Special”
As each of you are special to us.
Our prayers are with each of you.
Praying for you, Aunt Gaye, Jill, Missy, Brent and Sarah and all your family, for God’s deep peace to comfort and enfold you, day by day by day.
Much love,
Lynne
May God comfort all of you. Colene
Gaye,
Our condolences to you in the sudden loss of Joe. He will be missed by all of his church family at Starnes Cove Baptist Church. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the coming days.
Brent, Sarah, and all the family: We are sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ralph and Peggy
Joe was a classmate all through school and we graduated from Owen in 1959. I remember him so well. Completely lost touch but it seems he had a full and very blessed life and made a lot of memories for others to relish.
Gaye & family,
We were sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was such a special man. Always fun to talk to. We will miss “tossing bags” with him Sunday afternoon’s in Sarasota. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It was nice to watch the beautiful service online.
Love you!
Brad & Mimi
Gaye and family. So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a fine man. I know you will miss him. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear family,
My heart aches from the grief that you are suffering.
Knowing of God’s embracing love for you, continue looking to him when ” He will wipe out all tears from our eyes, death, pain, and suffering will be no more. ” – Revelation 21: 3,4
He says death is an ” enemy that will be brought to nothing. ” 1 – Corinthians 15:26
It comforts our hearts to know this pain will be a thing of the past and through Christ the resurrection of our loved ones.
We ” do not sorrow just as the rest do who have no hope! ” 1 Thessalonians 4:13
Love from a stranger,
jrfdog@gmail.com
My best to you and your family.
Andy Blackwell
Gaye and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family during this time. I remember meeting Joe and you while I worked for Dr.Maddox. I know Joe will be missed.