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Joshua Blaney Obituary
Joshua was born Sept. 15, 1982 in Charlotte, N.C., the son of Dianne B. Massey and Charles Edward Blaney. Josh graduated from Butler High School in 2002. Joshua was an exceptional young man with a compassionate and loving heart for his family and those that were fortunate enough to know him were his friends for life.
Cpl. Blaney made the combat jump into Northern Iraq on March 26, 2003 for which he received the Parachutist Badge with Bronze Service Star which opened the northern front and ultimate success of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In Iraq, he was wounded on Dec. 12, 2003 for which he received a Purple Heart.
Cpl. Blaney also served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from February 2005 to February 2006. He was deployed to Afghanistan for a second tour in May 2007 and paid the ultimate sacrifice on Dec. 12, 2007, receiving the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Josh received the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NATO Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge for Iraq and Afghanistan.
Funeral services to celebrate Joshua's life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, 2007, at Hickory Grove Baptist Church, officiated by the Reverend Arnold Kessler. Interment will follow at Charlotte Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are from the 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, N.C. Honorary Pallbearers are Josh's lifelong friends: Joshua Edwards, Brian Williams, Greg St. Martin, Ben Green, Ben Fields, Trent Guilland and Nick Brooks. Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. today, Dec. 20, 2007 at McEwen Funeral Service Mint Hill Chapel and from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, 2007, prior to the church service.
Josh is survived by his mother, Dianne B. Massey and husband, Eric of Fort Mill, S.C.; father, Charles E. Blaney of Matthews, N.C.; brother, Eddie Allen and wife, Misty of Kershaw, S.C.; sister, Carley Blaney of Matthews, N.C.; stepsister, Angie Massey of Rock Hill, S.C.; stepbrother, Todd Massey and wife, Kelly of Rock Hill, S.C.; grandfather, Sidney Belk of Charlotte, N.C.; aunt and uncles, Greg Belk and wife, Sheri of Charleston, S.C., Pat Belk of Indian Trail, N.C., Amy Belk and husband, Mike of Charlotte, N.C., and Kenneth Blaney of Yorktown, Va.; nieces and nephews, Ashley Allen, Brandon Allen, Austin Surratt, Chase Allen, Matthew Allen, Talayeh Joel, Naiya Ellis; and numerous cousins and friends.
Josh was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Dorothy C. Belk and his paternal grandparents, Eugene and Francis Louise Blaney.
Memorial donations may be made to the Josh Blaney Memorial Fund for Wounded Soldiers, c/o Dianne Massey, 2350 Sunset Circle, Fort Mill, SC 29715.
Online condolences and tributes for the family may be made at www.mem.com.
Arrangements are in the care of McEwen Funeral Service Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews Mint Hill Road.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joshua Blaney
Lisa Nash
May 24, 2025
Joshua. I never had the pleasure to know you in person. However, my son Ben Burlew knew you so very well. And I know that somehow, you are with him everyday. He loved you so very much and misses you everyday of his life. You were and are so very special to Sgt. Benjamen Burlew. He wears a bracelet on his wrist which bears your name and your stats. Your God-son Noah is doing well. He is a very handsome young man. I am truly sorry that I never had the chance to meet you in person. Ben always has spoken so very highly of you. May God Bless Your Family In Every Way. Hopefully one day, when God calls us all home, I will have the pleasure of meeting you! Ben's Mom
Charlie Gili
April 7, 2024
Hello,
We wanted to let your family and friends know that we are sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Joshua Charles Blaney US Army Corporal.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families and friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
ben butlew
September 15, 2014
We love and miss u brother. Happy birthday. I talked to Ur mom yesterday. She told me they are going to come see u. Wish I could be there. Love u man
ben burlew
September 8, 2014
I miss u josh I think about you all the time. Especially during football season. You were a damn good friend to many. I am sure Ur family reads this. I am back in the states and have been for awhile. If Ur mom reads.this which I'm sure.she does. Here is my number please.call I need to make a trip to visit. I never have and I need to. 5809199132. Miss u buddy
June 8, 2012
Thank you Joshua Blaney for your military service. You have not been forgotten.
g edwards
April 8, 2012
I salute your veteran. My condolences for your loss and gratitude for your loved one's service to our country.
Peggy Childers
December 12, 2011
To the family and friends of Cpl. Joshua Blaney:
Please accept my remembrance of Joshua on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Cathy Gabel
May 30, 2011
Today I honor you, Josh. You knew my nephew, Michael and now the two of you are playing football today in Heaven. Thank you, Josh. You are remembered. Love, Cathy L. Gabel
Dianne Massey
December 13, 2010
Three years-Dec. 12, 2010--Josh it still seems like yesterday. We miss you so much and I wish so much that you were here for Christmas. You are so loved and missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love you. You are always in my heart, sweet boy. Love, your mom
Peggy Childers
December 12, 2010
To the family and friends of Cpl. Joshua Blaney:
Remembering Joshua on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Kory Thompson
June 25, 2010
To the Family, I was Honored on June 20 this year in Marseilles, Illinois at the Illinois Freedom Run and Mideast Conflicts Wall Memorial to read the name Joshua C. Blaney. I am sending my most sincerest condolences on the loss of such a fine young Soldier and Hero. Being a Gold Star Father myself, I know the pain you all are experiencing. Know he will never be forgotten.
Dianne Massey
May 27, 2010
Josh, son, I miss you so much. This Memorial Day Weekend we will be going to Ft Benning, Ga for the dedication of the wall for the fallen soldiers of the 173rd. Your name will be on there as well as on a brick paver going to the new museum. I know it will be a bitter/sweet time. I'm so honored to have you as my son, but I wish you were still here with us. You were taken much too soon, before you got to have a family and life that you wanted. We will stay with Lucy and her husband. They are stationed there now. She is expecting her 2nd baby, a girl. I just wish you were here to see your friends babies and to have one of your own. I am so saddened that I don't have a cute, chubby, whitehaired little grandson to remind me of you, and watch him grow. I miss you soooo much!! I hope you know how very much you are missed and loved. To my precious, sweet son, you will be remember this memorial day and always. Love always, MOM:(
barb whitehead
May 25, 2010
The NC Run for the Fallen will honor fallen troops from North Carolina at a Memorial Run on Saturday, May 29th, 8:30am, Ayden Grifton High School track, Hwy 11 S. Ayden NC. Each troop will be honored by a runner/walker who carries a flag in his memory for one mile. Please come join us in honoring our fallen troops. For more information contact Kathy Moore at 252-746-3435 after 5:00pm or email at [email protected]
Tracy Henson
January 6, 2010
I'am truely sorry for your loss God Bless him for his duties & God Bless the family!
Donna Gillette
December 13, 2009
On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.
jennifer smith
November 5, 2009
i dont know joshua blaney. to the family and friends i am sorry for your loss.
Dianne Massey
November 5, 2009
Josh,
I haven't written anything in a long while. It's so hard to believe that it's coming up on 2 years since you left us to become our heavenly angel. My life and heart will never be the same. I still miss you so much every single day. I keep thinking I wish you would be here for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I wanted to cook for you. You always enjoyed all the food around the holidays. We had a birthday celebration for you for your birthday on Sept l5. You would have been 27. We had a lot of friends and family here, the only thing missing was YOU! You would have had such a good time with all your buddies. I miss not having those memories of you and we had so little time together over the five years you were in Italy and deployed. I lived for your phone calls and emails. Son, you will always be in my heart. I will miss you and grieve for you until I take my last breath on this earth. I know you will be there waiting for me and I can't wait to see you and give you a big hug and kiss. I love you always my sweet, baby boy. Always, MOM:)
Lynette Townsend
October 20, 2009
My heart goes out to each and every member of Josh's family, as well as the many friends that I am sure he had.
Shelia Herbstritt
July 15, 2009
To the Family of CPL. Josh Blaney,
I am so very sorry for your loss, words will never be able to replace your beloved son, brother, uncle, my heart goes out to all of you and thank you for letting him fight for all of us so that we may all be free. God Bless.
Lcpl. Herbstritt
USMC
Abby
December 17, 2008
Dearest Josh,
Its so hard to believe that its been a year. I will never forget that horrible call from Carley, and the many trying days and weeks that followed. I will always regret not answering your last call, I would never have imagined that in 3 days you would be gone forever. You would be so proud of your sister, and her girls are growing up so quickly I wish you were here to see them. We all came out to visit on Friday, all together, your mom and dad, Donna and Eric, Carley, me and Naiya. The world just isn't the same with out you. Miss you & love you
Angie Williams
December 15, 2008
Josh, we all miss you so much. I can't believe it's been a year already. I still have a voicemail message on my machine from the last time you called. I can't bear to erase it even though I've copied it for safe keeping. I miss your phone calls "Hey mom, it's Josh." It would take me a minute to realize it was my "other" Josh! You just laughed at me everytime! Don't stop reminding us all in little ways of your fun personality and love that you gave so freely.
Love, your "other mom"
Peggy Childers
December 13, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Joshua Blaney:
Joshua gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
In Memory of Joshua ~ (Debra Estep)
December 12, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Joshua, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Safely Home
Michael Iezzi
December 12, 2008
Joshua,
Thinking and praying for you on the 1st anniversary of your passing into eternal glory. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends", John 15:13.
Sarah Blaney
December 11, 2008
Joshua,
It hardley seems like it has been a whole year with out you. I miss you everyday and love you always.
XOXOXO
ME
Kenna Larra
December 5, 2008
We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna
Jennifer Hall
December 3, 2008
You were away a long time serving our country and so I grew used to missing you, but knowing you are now finally safe and watching over your friends and family provides some peace. I'm reminded daily of you and try to take the lessons you taught with me as I live my life. I think, "What would Blaney have said or done?" and laugh first then take it down a notch or two and there I've got it...those moments are where your memory shines and where you will live always in my heart. I'm proud and honored to have called you my friend!
July 6, 2008
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Cpl Blaney and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
July 6, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Cpl Blaney!
Cris Schumacher
July 1, 2008
I served with Blaney here in Afghanistan. His loss hit our Attack Company hard!
We dedicated our new Gym here at FOB Tillman in honor of him. I have pictures I would like to send to his family. Does anyone have an email address I can send these too?
"A paratrooper is never lost, he's just slipped away!"
joshua edwards
June 21, 2008
I miss you everyday it seems. You are my best friend and I love you buddy. I will never forget the times we had when we were younger and the times we shared as the years went by. You would give me the shirt off your back and I would do the same. We had good times and bad, but we were always there for each other. I miss you man.
Paige Morgan
June 15, 2008
Dear MOM,
I never read the obituaries but glanced thru it at work on June 12th. I saw the picture of your very handsome son and had to read further. I just wanted to write and tell you how thankful I am for your son's service to our country. You must be so proud. My son is on his 2nd tour in the middle east. I don't know how Mom's get through what we do but somehow God gives us the will. You must be a very strong woman , I will pray for you and hope you will find peace in knowing you and your strength are an inspiration, thank you for sharing such a wonderful memoriam and thank you for raising a wonderful son!
God Bless You.
the Buck family
May 31, 2008
To the family and friends of Cpl. Joshua Blaney, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. What he has done for our freedom will not be forgotten. May God bless and comfort your family.
jorge fabian
February 12, 2008
My heart goes out to the Blaney family. I knew Joshua very well. I still remember the day he was put in my team (weapon squad) band new to the 173rd. He always had something to say and he was always making us laugh. He was like a younger brother to me. I’m going to miss you friend! You and your family will always be in my prayers.
Sean Gallagher
February 2, 2008
It was great to have served with you Josh. When you took over for SGT Kobelka as the Alpha Team Leader you came and fit right in. You had big shoes to fill, but exceeded all the expectations of your leadership! I know that the men who served under you are better soldiers because of it. God bless you, and rest assured that you and your family will be in my family's hearts and prayers always. YOU WILL BE MISSED!!!Airborne--SSG Gallagher, Sean P.
Melissa Krause
January 13, 2008
This message goes out to the family of Joshua Blaney.I was the Sprint agent who received the call a few weeks after Josh had died from Donna Hill.My condolences go out to Donna and all of Josh's family and friends.You're in my prayers.Sorry to hear about this loss of such a great hero.Nice to meet you Donna.
Melissa.
Tom Gugliuzza
January 10, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the Blaney family in the loss of Joshua. I did not know Joshua, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Joshua you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
samson
January 9, 2008
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Blaney family.
My heart,prayers and thoughts are with you.
Cpl.Joshua Blaney,
You are my hero, our angel. Your dedication and service to our country will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace sweet Angel
Michelle Ferguson
January 7, 2008
God bless our soldiers. It was a pleasure to know Josh. He made me smile many times in high school. His dedicatino and burden carried as a soldier was great and will always be appreciated and never forgotten. God Bless.
Chuck and Lesley Wooddy
January 4, 2008
We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We did not know Joshua but we are proud of his service to our country. He is a true hero and will never be forgotten.
January 3, 2008
We are sorry for your loss of Joshua.
The family of
Sgt. Matthew Hatfield
82nd Airborne
Afganistan
Chaplain Dan Gates
January 2, 2008
With the deepest regret, I have just learned of the death of Corporal Blaney. As a Vietnam Veteran and the State Chaplain of the Georgia Society, Sons Of The American Revolution, I speak for our President, Charlie A. Newcomer, III and the more than 1,400 SAR members around the State of Georgia in humbly expressing the condolences of a grateful Society. Wrapped in the integrity of service to our nation and the inestimable values of duty, honor and country, your American hero stood on a wall of freedom for us all. This precious life, lived and lost in love of America, epitomized every attribute of patriotism the Sons Of The American Revolution hold dear. And, as Americans, we could never repay the debt we owe ..!! Nor the debt we owe you… the family of one of America's best ...!!!
TJ Holland
December 31, 2007
I had the honor of being CPL Blaney's Platoon Sergeant in Afghanistan in 2005. He was an excellent soldier, leader and man of impeccable moral integrity. He undoubtedly is a catastrophic loss to his family as he is to everyone who knew him. SFC Thomas J. Holland.
Carol Smith
December 29, 2007
The Home of the Brave Quilt Project would like to send a memorial quilt to the Blaney family, but do not have an address. If anyone would provide us with an address or pass this on to the family and ask that they get in touch with me, it would be appreciated (there is no cost involved) Carol Smith, NC coordinator
wallace tinnin
December 26, 2007
god bless your son 173rd airborne
Januarie Eaves
December 26, 2007
To all of the Blaney family and friends, I am so sorry about Josh. He will always be a hero to everyonr in the US. Don't ever forget that! He is at peace with Jesus now. Thank you for Giving your loved one to serve us and our country!
Debra Russell
December 26, 2007
My family would like to send our prayers out to you. This is so hard we to know all to well how you feel we just lost our brother 4 months ago in Baghdad. May god embrase you at the diffcult time. May god bless you words of comfort my brother Prvt Andre Craig and there wecoming Joshua into his arm he is not alone he is not afraid and I promise you he will never be forgotten.
God bless you!
December 26, 2007
God Bless the Blaney family! I am so sorry for the loss of a fine man..
He will never be forgotten!
Merry Christmas to all our fine HEROS in Heaven..
Hugs/Jamie(Navy wife)
Hampton,VA.
marinecomfortquilts.us
Nicole Egonut
December 26, 2007
To the family of Joshua Blaney:
I am so sorry for your loss.
May God put his arms around you, comfort you, and give you the strength to navigate through this dark time.
To Joshua:
What do you say to someone who has given his life to keep you and your family safe? "Thank you" just doesn't seem like enough. We will forever be in your debt for making the most heart-rending sacrifice to keep us all safe. You laid down your life, to keep us free, and asked for nothing in return. You are a true hero, and you will never be forgotten. God Bless you, Joshua.
Carmen O'Leary
December 24, 2007
Dear Blaney family,
My son, Tanner O'Leary, recently lost his life on this earth in Afghanistan too this month. My heart goes out to you and want to know people feel your pain. Like you I have so many memories and will cherish them in the years to come.
CARLA MILLEDGE
December 23, 2007
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OF JOSHUA. I LOST MY SON SGT. JOSEPH BRADLEY RYAN MILLEDGE ON OCT.5TH OF THIS YEAR. I KNOW YOUR PAIN AND I AM SO SADDENED BY ALL THIS BUT THEY ARE IN THE LORDS ARMY NOW AND ARE LOOKING DOWN ON US.MY GOD BE WITH YOU AND I AM PRAYING FOR YOU CARLA
Phyllis Schuster
December 23, 2007
To Joshua's family: I know your world will never be the same. It couldn't be when you love Josh. And I know it will be a long time before it gets even a little better. You don't miss a soldier, you miss your son, brother etc. My son Benjamin Chandler Schuster was KIA Ramadi Iraq in February of 2006. It's a very long journey. I know to honor Joshua, you will take it with courage and conviction of the good left to do, as Joshua did his service. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and as you go on.
Love from Ben's momma
Debbie , Kenny Coffey
December 23, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers out to the BLANEY family .Knowing now what they have always known is one of many reasons that our HERO[ES]shall NEVER be forgotten.Rest well brother for that star spangled banner shall FOREVER wave.Your name stamped in steel shall be FOREVER clutched in the tallons as your spirit FOREVER soars high in the skies in the symbol of our great nation.THANK..YOU..All Hard Chargers..COME by NORTH**COME by SOUTH**COME by EAST**COME by WEST.We were all gathered and united on that great day as strangers as we shall FOREVER stand for OUR fallen we are FOREVER BROTHERS.HO..YAH..SEMPER.FI..B.V.C.
Phyllis Schuster
December 22, 2007
For Josh's family
You are living with the world turned upside down and sideways, and I know how it is. It will never be all right, and it will never cease to hurt. That is because you love so much. and that's as it should be. Your Josh was and is an irreplaceable person, and this is not what it was supposed to be. My son Benjamin C. Schuster was KIA Ramadi Iraq in February 2006. I know. I cannot tell you it's ever "bettter", but I can tell you that your relationship continues, but differently. Things change. My thoughts and prayers are with you, as are those of our family. You don't ever have to stop loving him, and that's comfort indeed.
Jay Hicks
December 22, 2007
Josh,
THANK YOU, My family and I thank you for protecting our freedom.
To the family, our prayers are with you.May God provide comfort to you during this time.
Patty Lindquist
December 22, 2007
My heart breaks thinking of your loss and so many other families who have lost their loved ones. Josh has done more to help change the world to a better place than most of us can ever hope to. May the love of his family and friends blanket him in peace.
All gave some and some gave all.
Jennifer Stadt
December 22, 2007
My brother is currently serving with the 173rd in Afghanistan and was honored to be included in the receiving ceremony for Josh is Bagram. I just want to say thank you to Josh for his heroic sacrafice to protect my family, my country. I also want to say thank you to his family for being the heroes on the homefront. Always in my prayers.
Jennifer
Shannon Owens
December 22, 2007
It's been a long time since I've seen Josh, I went to church with him when he was in High School and when he became a christian. It is so nice to know that he will spend eternity in Heaven. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
BRENDA SPIVEY
December 21, 2007
I DID NOT KNOW JOSHUA BUT I THANK GOD FOR HIM. I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU ALL KNOW I AM THINKING OF YOU; AND MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN THE DAYS TO COME.
Debbie Davis
December 21, 2007
Words cannot express how heavy my heart is for you. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Debbie Davis
BB&T Hickory Grove
Rita
December 21, 2007
May God comfort your sadden hearts, and ease the loss of your precious loved one, Josh. He truly earned the "Wings of a Trooper" for his love for his family, his friends,and his country,America. It is our duty to be thankful and honor all our active American troops, veterans,and those who lost their lives so that Americans enjoy freedom each day. Thank you, Josh, you earned your honors and became a hero like so many troops before you. May you rest in peace, and your loved ones continue to be comforted with their precious memories of you, Josh, so you will live on in their hearts everyday, is my prayer. God bless America and all our troops this season, and every season. Peace be with Josh's family and friends,and America, forever.
John & Sue Freudenberg
December 21, 2007
Our son is serving with the 173rd in Afghanistan, and was on this patrol with your son. John let us know of the loss of his "brother" and friend, who made the supreme sacrifice. We are very sorry for your loss of your precious loved one. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord bless you with comfort and strength.
Stacey Nickell
December 21, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss. I have been praying and will continue to pray for you. God Bless.
Moriah Langdon
December 21, 2007
Although I never met Josh, I am grateful for his sacrifice for our freedom and country. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. God Bless!
Clyde ALEXANDER (NAVY VET)
December 21, 2007
to the family of Cpl. Joshua Blaney my deepest sympathy but also my thanks and pride for his dedication to his country. He knew just as you know that he was doing the right thing. I PRAY TO GOD that we will have more young men with his sense of duty to his GOD & family and country. he knew this was a fight that had to be fought and we could do it here or there --he chose there. I Pray that GOD will bring you comfort in the comming days & we will all realize and give thanks that HE DID NOT DIE IN VAIN BUT PROTECTING HIS COUNTRY. Thank you for your sacrifice & may we always remember what he was and what he did. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. I didn't know him presonally but i know his heart.
Terry Barbee
December 21, 2007
For those of us that your son fought for and never knew, thank you! All Americans are in debt to the families that have lost loved ones serving to protect us. May God's Love and Strength surround you all during this time.
Desiree Moore
December 21, 2007
To Josh and his family.I don't know who he is but I am so grateful and sad that he lost his life for his country.May God Bless him and his family.REST IN PEACE JOSH.Thank you for severing our country,you'll be missed.....
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
December 21, 2007
Rest in peace.
A Mom
December 21, 2007
Joshua,
Thank-You. These two words seem so small, but I hope that you and your family know that they are truly heartfelt.
Kim Hritz
December 21, 2007
I never met Josh, but I extend my condolences to his friends and family. I appreciate his service to our country and am sad he made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you Josh. May you rest in peace.
Kim H.
Los Angeles, CA.
Tracy Newton
December 21, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ben Greene
December 20, 2007
I have been a friend of Josh since 7th grade. A person could not have a better friend. You truly get to know someone when you are close friends for such a long time. Josh was one of the best people I have ever had the priveledge to know. There is a reason why Josh has so many friends, as he was always a friend to everyone. I will miss Josh for the rest of my life, and will think back on our many memories for the rest of my life. My prayers and thoughts are with Josh's family.
sandy roberts
December 20, 2007
My thoughts are with Josh's family and friends - although I never met Josh - I am grateful for his sacrifice for our freedom and country.
Erica
December 20, 2007
God Bless your family in this time of loss, I'm a former Butler student who remembers him vividly, he was always smiling. Josh's honor to our country will never be forgotten.
Marysue Rogers
December 20, 2007
I had the honor of keeping Josh and Carly in my home when they were in grade school. I'm not surprised that Josh grew up to be such a fine man and hero. My thoughts and prayers will be with you for along time.
Sue Greene
December 20, 2007
Dianne and Carley, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May God hold you in His arms and provide you with the peace that only He can give. We will all miss Josh and that sweet smile he gave us so freely. You should be proud of him as a soldier and hero, but also as a good, kind, honest man. He will be missed and never forgotten. (Ben Greene's mother)
Floyd Peek
December 20, 2007
Another fallen hero, he will not be forgotten. I also lost my son Michael in Iraq. There are so many that are truly thankful for Cpl. Joshua Blaney's unselfish service for all of us in this country.
Harmony Huntley
December 20, 2007
Dianne,
My name is Harmony Huntley,I am a friend of your sister, Amy.I myself have a son in the Army. Amy informed me of Josh's death when we got home from picking up our son from basic and AIT in Missouri.He too, is a Butler graduate(2007)and is headed to Airborne school after Christmas. He is following in Josh's footsteps and as a mom, I only know too well your apprehension about him joining the service during this time. I want you to know that Josh was a HERO and it takes a special person to do the job that he did. I admire him and am proud of him, even though I did not know him or you. Amy has talked about him before to me and I know the
fear that you are now living. Please know that my family and I appreciate your son and his Honor and Commitment to our country. He will never be forgotten!We will keep you and your family in our prayers and Josh will never be forgotten.Thank you for raising a wonderful son. Harmony Huntley
Phillip Colvard
December 20, 2007
My heart goes out to you and your family. Joshua is a hero and I am thankful for men like him that paid the price for my freedom. God bless you.
Jennifer Hall
December 20, 2007
My heart goes out to the entire family and those who were so fortune to have been friends with Josh, both here at home and overseas. There are no words to express my sadness in the loss of a true friend. He always had a way of finding me to say hello and let me know he was thinking of me. Josh was kind in those special, yet simple ways. I won't forget him. My thoughts and prayers will remain with you.
Carla
December 20, 2007
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, as well as my gratitude for Cpl. Blaney's service to our country. Thank you, and may God Bless you all.
Erika Derby
December 20, 2007
I was friends with Josh when we went to Butler together and I am sorry to say had lost touch with him since. He was a great guy then and I am sure he was just as much if not more now. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers and I am terribly sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed.
Maxine Huggins
December 20, 2007
Nothing, nothing, breaks a parent's heart like the death of a child. My sincere sympathy, and also my thanks for the sacrifice that has been made through the death of this young man. May God bless you and bring you peace.
Jessica Creasy
December 20, 2007
I've known Josh for the past 8 years of my life. Josh was an amazing friend and grew up to be an even more amazing man. I wish I could be there to say goodbye. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Christy
December 20, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss. Josh is a true American hero. My thoughts are with you.
CW4 Micheal R. Dunkin
December 20, 2007
I want you to know that we are proud of Josh and everything he was doing for America. He is an American hero. God bless him.
Also,that my family understands your pain and suffering more than most. Our only son was KIA
in Feb 2007. We are here for you. For anything we can do to help you throught this or if you need someone to talk contact us.
God bless.
Shannon Burton
December 20, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Judie Walters
December 20, 2007
Charles, my heart goes out to your entire family. I pray for Mercy, Peace and Love be with you at all times.
Barbara & James Dresser
December 20, 2007
Our deepest thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of our fallen brother, Joshua Blaney.
From the 173d Airborne Chapter 30 of South Carolina
Jeri Herrera
December 20, 2007
Though I did not know Joshua personally, he will always be a hero to me. Nothing I can say will take away the pain that you feel right now. Please accept my sincerest condolences and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sincerely,
Jeri Herrera
Proud sister of SFC Rocky H. Herrera
KIA 8/28/07 Jaji, Afghanistan
Gary and Diane Walter
December 20, 2007
We had the honor of getting to know Josh when we were Youth Workers at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church's Youth Group. Josh went on a summer youth retreat to Emerald Isle with us where he shared his tender heart with the Group. Josh was a wonderful young man and will be remembered as a hero who had great love for his family and friends.
Greg Hall
December 20, 2007
I only knew Josh by way of my daughter, Jennifer, who went to Butler with him and has been his friend every since, but I do fell a kinship. I served in Vietnam and have a great admiration for those who have served this country. My eternal thanks to Josh for his service and ultimate sacrifice. My sympathies and thoughts go with you at this time of such loss. Josh will watch over us for all time now and will enjoy a special place with God. May he and God watch over you all.
WENDY SQUIRES
December 20, 2007
My prayers and sympathy
Love,
WENDY STEWART SQUIRES, JONATHAN, AMBER, CASEY AND TESS
Debbie Spivey
December 20, 2007
JUST A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE FAMILY. MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU AND KNOW THAT GREAT APPRECIATION IS HELD IN MY HEART FOR YOUR SON.I READ ABOUT A GREAT YOUNG MAN WITH LOVE IN HIS HEART. MAY GOD HOLD YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE. HOLD IN YOUR HEART YOUR MEMORIES OF THIS FINE YOUNG MAN. I THANK HIM FOR WHAT HE GAVE AND HAVE DEEP RESPECT FOR HIM. NOW I PRAY FOR HIS FAMILY, ESPECIALLY HIS MOM. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE FINE MEN AND WOMEN WHO DEFEND HER AND US. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. LOVE YA ALL DEBBIE SPIVEY.
Jan Pizzolato
December 20, 2007
Dianne,
We love you and will continue to pray for God's strength and love to be with you forever. Let Jesus carry you. I will call you and be here for you.
Gale Poindexter
December 20, 2007
I am writing to offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your HERO Cpl Joshua Blaney. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing a loved one so dear.
I pray you will be guided by a higher power to give you peace, comfort and strength in this time.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
GOD Bless you and your family. Your soldier was a true American Hero and we are all very proud of his service. He will not be forgotten!
(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT /Ft Lewis-KIA 5/ 6/07, Baqubah, Iraq)
Valerie Wyer-Pryear
December 20, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jennifer Kinion
December 20, 2007
Thank you for your service to me, my family and my country. May you rest in peace. To the family: Your sacrifice is our sacrifice. Your pain is our pain. We pray that peace and comfort come to you quickly.
Valorie
December 19, 2007
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and they were protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/007
Allie Pope
December 19, 2007
My name is Allie Pope. I am a graduate of Butler and am currently engaged to a United States Marine who has been deployed in Iraq and will be deploying once again next year. I want to express my deep condolences to the family of Cpl Blaney. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Cpl Blaney truly is a hero. It takes an incredible person to put their life on the line to protect their family, friends, and country. My heart goes out to his family and friends during this hard time. Although I never met Josh, he is a hero in my eyes and I am extremely grateful for the sacrifice he made for me. May he rest in peace, and God bring some comfort to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
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Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
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The Five Stages of Grief
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You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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