John Bishop "J.B." Blanks

BLANKS, John Bishop "J.B." Age 76 of Nashville, TN; born October 10, 1932; died January 18, 2009 following a long illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, John William and Betty Blanks, and by his four siblings, Melvern, Eugene, Margaret and Jimmy Gordon. He is survived by his loving wife who was his teenage sweetheart, and was married to her for over 55 years, Marilyn Littlejohn Blanks and by his sons, John Bishop II (Karen) & Stephen Wayne; and his daughter, Kendra Davis. He is also survived by four granddaughters, Jennifer, Abby, Kelsey and Kristen; and by a great-grandson, Traz. J.B. served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, and after the service, he graduated from Belmont University and Peabody College. He was a Metro school teacher for 25 years, and later owned a paint company, specializing in historical restoration. He was an avid golfer and served as President of the Capital City Golf Association during the 70s. He was also a master gardener, and his gardens were featured on local television stations more than once. He was a longtime active member of Haywood Hills Baptist Church, having served as a Sunday School teacher and a Deacon. He was also a member of the Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief organization and went to such places as southern Florida during Hurricane Andrew, and to New York City following 9-11. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 1 p.m., at Woodbine Funeral Home, HICKORY CHAPEL, 5852 Nolensville Road, by Dr. Phillip Barnett. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends will serve as Pallbearers. Special thanks to the staff at Frescenius Medical Center in Franklin for their compassionate care of J.B. during the past 6-1/2 years of dialysis treatment. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2 - 8 p.m., at WOODBINE FUNERAL HOME, HICKORY CHAPEL Directors, 615-331-1952; Still Family Owned.