LAKE CITY - James C. "Sonny" Blankenship, was born Jan. 16, 1933, in Lake City to the late Richard and Flossie Blankenship, and passed away Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, at the age of 88 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Loretta Davis Blankenship; the grandparents that raised him, Minnie and Homer Pace; and one grandson, Marc Evan Despain.

He is survived by two daughters, Tana (Lonnie) Wright of Lake City and Mandy (Kevin) Turman of Edmond, Okla.; one granddaughter, Jacquelyn (John) Henley of Cherry Valley; two grandsons, Alex (Jennifer) Turman and Austin Turman, both of Houston, Texas; five great-grandchildren, Kara Henley, Luke Henley, Zacary Despain, Blake Despain and Katie Turman; two half sisters, Kay Turner and Linda (Bob) Canion; and several nieces and nephews.

Sonny was a graduate of Lake City High School in 1951 and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

He retired from Arkansas State University in 1995 and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Lake City. He was a Mason of the Lake City Masonic Lodge as well.

Sonny enjoyed hunting, fishing and loved the St. Louis Cardinals but was disgusted with the pitching staff.

Graveside services were Sunday in Jonesboro Memorial Park with Jerry Reed officiating.

Active pallbearers included Kevin Turman, Lonnie Wright, Alex Turman, Austin Turman, George Wright and Ted Walker.

Honorary pallbearers included Stanley Bowman and Jim Bowman.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you please consider donations to the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 E. Matthews Ave., Jonesboro 72401.

The family also wants to thank all the staff at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House for all the long and countless hours they spent with Sonny making sure he was comfortable.

Also, the family would like to express their gratitude and love to Family Nurse Practitioner Heather Smith for taking such good care of him for the past year.

Online registry: www.emersonfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Jonesboro Sun on Oct. 26, 2021.

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