William Earl Blankenship
September 5, 1925 ~ March 29, 2010
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
WILLIAM EARL BLANKENSHIP – ASHEVILLE
William Earl Blankenship, 84, of Davenport Rd., Asheville, died on Monday, March 29, 2010, at the WNC Baptist Home.
Born on September 5, 1925, in Rock Hill, SC, he was the son of the late Bernard C. and Margaret Percival Blankenship. He was also preceded in death by his oldest brother Charles, who was killed in action in WWII, and sister, Mary Ann Matheny.
After graduating from Swannanoa High School, Mr. Blankenship attended Mars Hill College and received a BA degree in history and a minor in math from Appalachian State University. He later received a Master's of Arts degree in mathematics from Peabody College, which is now a part of Vanderbilt University. Mr. Blankenship was a math teacher at Erwin High School for 35 years, and taught for two years at Emma. He was a member of First Baptist Church, of Asheville.
He is survived by his wife, Kay Ramsey Blankenship; daughter, Susan Woolwine and husband Chris; granddaughter, Lauren Woolwine; brothers, Bernard C. Blankenship (Marilyn), of Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA, John G. Blankenship (Pauline) of Asheville, and James M. Blankenship (Jean) of Suwanee, GA; and sister, Margaret Nancy Wells (Bruce), of Stockbridge, GA.
A funeral service for Mr. Blankenship will be at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. with the Rev. David Blackman officiating. Interment will follow at Sluder Family Cemetery.
His family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to one's favorite charity.
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Kay, I was very sorry to read of Earl’s passing, He was a good friend over the years, at First Baptist. All, especially his fellow class members, will miss him, and pray that God will be with you, and yours, during these days. Walter
Kay, I offer my condolences due to your husband’s passing. Mr. Blankenship was my Math teacher at Erwin High. I have fond memories of him and also the two of you at the 1963 classmates dinners. You will be in my thoughts.
In sympathy,
Joyce Dover Evans
Dear Kay,
I am so sorry about your loss. My love and prayers are with you and your family. I will try to see you soon.
Prayers,
Nancy Randall
I was a student @ Erwin 1954-1958 and would to express my sympathy to the family.
Romans 8:35ff
Mr. Blakenship was my math teacher in the 9th grade. He always tried to give special attention to students who were having problems with the math concepts. In sypmathy, Freda P. Woody
I send my sincere sympathy with good memories of my college days at Mars Hill with Earl. We were good friends and although we were not in touch through the years, I fondly remember those college days. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Cecil Tallent
Kay and family, My deepest sympathy in the passing of Mr. Blankenship. He was my math teacher at Erwin High (1958-1961). I remember Mr. Blankenship as a very dedicated teacher, always pleasant and he really cared about his students.My thoughts and prayers are with you. Joan
Mr. Blankenship was such a gentleman and a great teacher. My condolences on your loss and may you be comforted by your dear memories.
Judy Fisher King – Erwin ’82
I had Mr. Blankenship for math at Erwin High when I was in the ninth grade. He was a great teacher. He will be missed. My prayers are with the family at this time of great sorrow.
I remember Mr. Blankenship fondly from my days at Erwin (class of 1983). Although I never had the privilege of being in one of his classes, I remember his smiling face and the many nice things said about him by his students. He really cared about them and wanted them to do their best. My condolences to his family.
We remember Mr. Blankenship from Emma High School. He was always very friendly to all the students there. Always with a smile for each and everyone. He attended our 50th class re-union and it was so good to see him and to talk over old times. May God bless each and everyone in his family and our prayers will be for you all. Jean and Hubert Smith…Emma (1952 and 1954)
Memory’s of Mr. Blankenship from class of ’73,Erwin Hi School and going to his home and working in his yard……….so long ago…….
Dear Family,…I was a student of Mr. Blankenship’s for 2 years at Erwin. (class of 1978). He really was a kind and caring man. One of my favorite teachers. I pray that the Lord will comfort you now and in the future. God bless you.
I remember Mr. Blankenship from Emma High School. I was a member of his Freshman math class. In 1955 we were the final graduating class at Emma. In 2005 he attended our 50th class reunion at the Grove Park Inn. I am sorry to hear of his death.
To the Blankenship family; Mr Blankenship taught me many years ago at Erwin High School. He knew how to make math fun for people who were not math inclined. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Vickie Austin Jennings
Kay,
Barbara and I send our love to you in this difficult time.Earl was a kind and gentle soul.
Dot Bethea
Kay & Family:
My sincere sympathy to you and the family in the loss of your loved one. I am from the graduating class of 1962 at Erwin and remember him as a great teacher and person; always had a kind word for everyone. I know he was a great influence to all he taught as well as others. God will comfort you during this time.
Dear Mrs. Blankenship,
My prayers are that God will grant you peace and comfort. Cherish the good memories you shared.
Mr. Blankenship was one of my teachers at Erwin High School. I graduated in 1957. I remember him fondly. I, too, taught mathematics for 25 years. I’m sure he influenced my career choice. I saw him just a few years ago at WNC Baptist Home while visiting my uncle, Claude Wright. The Home was having a picnic for family and friends. Are you related to JoAnn Ramsey? She was in my class at Erwin.
Much love in Christ,
Jeanette Wright Parham
5358 Gainsborough Dr
Fairfax, VA 22032-2741
jparham713@aol.com
MR.BLANKENSHIP,WAS SUCH A NICE PERSON,VERY RESPECTFUL..I,will alwaye,have fond memories…MAY GOD BLESS EACH FAMILY MEMBER…CLASS OF 74………
Mr Blankenship was a gentleman and a wonderful teacher. I had great respect for him. May God bless you in your loss.
Stanley Reese
Erwin class of 1973