Name: Visitation for SGM (Ret.) William Bert Blankenship Jr.
Start: 2016-08-03T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-08-03T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Striffler-Hamby Mortuary

SGM (Ret.) William Bert
Blankenship Jr.
December 17, 1929-
August 1, 2016
Columbus, Georgia- SGM (Ret.) William Bert Blankenship Jr., age 86, of Columbus, died on Monday, August 1, 2016 at his residence. Funeral Services are scheduled on Thursday, August 4, 2016 in Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby, 4071 Macon Road Columbus, at 10:00am. Interment will follow in Main Post Cemetery, Fort Benning. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 from 5:00-7:00pm at the funeral home.
Mr. Blankenship, son of the late William Bert Blankenship Sr. and Ethel Steele Blankenship, was born December 17, 1929 in Richlands, VA. He served our country honorably and retired as SGM in the U.S. Army. Mr. Blankenship was a Competition Marksman, his shooting career started in 1953 with rifle and pistol at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He was a member of the All Army Rifle Team and All Army Pistol Squad until retirement from the Army Marksmenship Training Unit in 1970. Mr. Blankenship was a Gold Medalist in the World Games of 1966 for both team and individual, a six time National Champion, five times being consecutive.
Other than his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Helen Brennan Blankenship; and brother, Lesley Blankenship.
Mr. Blankenship is survived by his daughter, Linda Blankenship Hamlett; and son, William E. Blankenship.
Condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.

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Published by Ledger-Enquirer on Aug. 3, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for William Blankenship

Sponsored by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.

24 Entries

Clive Whelan

April 13, 2017

I just read of Bills' passing.
Bill used to be my bench mark when I started shooting over 50 years ago. I marvelled at his dedication and successes. I was privileged to serve with him on the protest committee at the Bianchi Cup for some years and took over as Chairman when he retired. Rest in peace Bill, old friend, always remembered. Clive Whelan - NRA Life Member - Melbourne - Australia.

February 8, 2017

Linda and Butch we are so sorry to hear about your father's passing. He was a wonderful man and we have very fond memories of hiim. We wish we had been informed at the time of his passing. Uncle Buddy says keep in touch. We will keep you all in our prayers. Love, Karen and Uncle Buddy

Mary TOPA

February 7, 2017

Linda and Butch: We were so sorry to recently hear of Uncle Bill's passing! I have so many great memories of him and Aunt Helen! He was such a terrific man and dearly loved by so many! Would love to hear from you both! It's been too long! Take care! Sending love and prayers! Your cousin Mary Agnes and Stan

Buck & Dawn Gardner

February 4, 2017

Just Heard about Uncle Bill's passing Butch & Linda, I wish we knew sooner. please accept our condolences. Will miss Uncle Bill and his sense of humor.

David Phillips

September 12, 2016

I am so sorry to hear about SGM Blankenship passing away. He and my father, CSM Edward H. Phillips, served together at Ft. Benning. Dad was over the weapons department from Aug. 1969 until his retirement in Dec. 1970. I met SGM Blankenship shortly before his retirement, when I was only 14. I was fascinated by his competitive shooting and his many accomplishments. He was also at my father's funeral in 1988.
SGM Blankenship was a true American hero, and I know he will be greatly missed by his family, and by the many people whose lives he touched.

Chris and Lauren Norris

August 19, 2016

Our condolences to the Blankenship family. Mr. Bill was our neighbor when we were stationed at Ft. Benning. He was a wonderful man and such an inspiration to my husband, who is currently active duty. We will always remember the stories you shared and the laughs. We will miss you dearly.

Love Always,
The Norris Family

Cathy Rankin

August 18, 2016

I did not know SGM Blankenship personally but his son Bill used to tell me stories about his father. He sounded like a wonderful father and a wonderful man. I was very sad to hear that SGM Blankenship had crossed over recently. May his family find peace in their memories of happy times with him. Bless their hearts.

August 11, 2016

I'm a retired Marine and former member of the USMC shooting team. I was a competitor at Camp Perry as well and when I was around him I was impressed with his professionalism and his integrity. God speed and my condolences to his family. CWO4 Robert and Martha Goller (Myrtle Beach, SC)

August 4, 2016

My condolences to Bill's family. I was proud to have served with Bill back in the unit in 1967/68. Not only was he a great man he was the worlds finest marksman. RIP Bill and God bless.

SSG RP Billman USA Ret., Columbus, Ga.

Barbara Calhoun

August 4, 2016

My deepest condolences to the Blankenship family. SGM Blankenship was a great man and a wonderful friend to my father, Robert Himes. After retirement, Dad worked with him at Ft. Benning and he really enjoyed it. SGM Blankenship continued to check on Dad after our mother passed away and that meant so much to Dad and us. He was there for us too when Dad became ill. I was thinking about him recently as we rode through the old neighborhood and went past his house - and saw the old car there! Great memories. We will keep you all in our prayers.

Ron Steinbrecher

August 3, 2016

When I started shooting in 1969, Bill Blankenship was my inspiration. I finally got to meet him at Camp Perry in the 90's and now have several pictures and memories with him which I'll treasure. I am sad that the Bullsye community has lost such an icon of the sport.

Ronald Krelstein

August 3, 2016

He was a good friend and always kind to me even though I was a skinny college shooter. The whole Army Team was kind to me. He will be missed by his friends and fellow competitors.

john McCurdy

August 3, 2016

Bill was a gentleman , I knew him from shooting at Perry. My condolences upon his death to you, his family and to the shooters of the world

Sam Adams

August 3, 2016

My condolences, wish I had made better contact during the last 3 years. Please call.if you have time. 796689-1866.

Lanny Bassham

August 3, 2016

I was fortunate enough to know Bill in his prime as a shooting icon. He was an inspiration to so many, and to me personally. His interest in shooting events other than his primary one inspired me to try out shotgun and pistol. Although I never was able to equal his skill in alternate events I credit him for encouraging me to try. -Lanny Bassham Olympic Rifle Gold Medalist

Art Fox

August 3, 2016

What a honorable person. We've were long time friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Not only was he a friend, he was a super competitor both on and off the firing line. Those who knew him will remember him always. Rest in peace, "watch your front sight and//or keep you eye on the ball!

Art and Ruby Fox, Parker, AZ

August 3, 2016

We are very sad about the passing of this great American Hero. I met Bill at the River Cities Model A Ford Club in Columbus. I always enjoyed his great smile and his very friendly personality. I know he was missing Helen and has now joined her in Heaven. To the family, please accept our deepest sympathy. May the great memories bring you comfort.
Al & Lizbeth Lugo, Columbus, Georgia

Alberto (Al) Lugo

August 3, 2016

Bill Laughridge

August 3, 2016

I am very saddened to hear of Bill's passing. We became very good friends over the many years that both of us attended most of the large shooting matches around the country. Bill represented Colt at the matches and I repaired the shooters pistols. He was a great Mentor to me in my early years!

Ron & Brigitte Martere

August 3, 2016

Our most sincere condolences to Bill's Family. He was the standard and an icon in the competitive pistol program. We will remember him with fondness and admiration.

Lori Ogden Wilheit

August 3, 2016

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your father. My prayers are with you.

Mike Theimer

August 2, 2016

I wish I could have talked to him one more time to thank him for walking into my ROTC rifle range at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX in 1971 and telling me about the US Army Marksmanship Unit which gave me the opportunity to make the 1976 Olympic Team. I don't believe in coincidences. There was absolutely no reason for him to visit my little college rifle range on that day at that time. I owe him my gratitude for an exciting four years at the AMU.

Mike Theimer
OIC Running Target 1972-76
USAMU

Bob Pruden

August 2, 2016

I always found Bill to be a friendly and humorous guy. He was a great shooter and blazed a trail for many to follow and very few to advance further. I still remember his score of 600 in International Center Fire appearing in the International Shooting Magazine with an exclamation point following it.

August 2, 2016

It was a pleasure to have had Bill as a friend since 1963. I always enjoyed our conversations, even though I was a shotgun shooter. I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. He was one of the GOOD guys.

Bill Morris

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