Obituary for Bill Blankenship

MR. WILLIAM ELMER “BILL” BLANKENSHIP, JR., age 85, of Valdosta, GA, passed away doing what he loved on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

 A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00AM Wednesday, June 9, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Mike Grenade officiating, with interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.

 Bill was born in Eastman, GA on December 17, 1940, to the late Bertie Mae Southerland Blankenship and William Elmer Blankenship, Sr. He was a graduate of Charlton County High School and later studied at Brewton Parker College to pursue a career in ministry. After college, Bill felt a calling to serve his country in the U.S. Navy, where he served his country faithfully for eight years aboard a U.S. destroyer during the Vietnam War. Upon leaving the Navy, Bill found work with Stuckey’s Inc. before working for Wayfare and Kettles Restaurant. He later became an entrepreneur for over 30 years, and was a fantastic salesman who sold throughout the southeast, whose company was called “The Nutty Bavarian”. To many, he was known as the “Nutty Bill” because of his business in the Valdosta Mall. Bill was very much a people person and a true friend to all whom he met. He loved riding his Goldwing motorcycle, camping, fishing, and was an avid golfer. He enjoyed spending time on the Flint River with his best friend, Dewey, along with spending time at his home away from home, the River Park RV Park in Valdosta, where Bill was a vital part of the community. He was of the Baptist Faith and attended Perimeter Road Baptist Church for many years. Bill was preceded in death by his former wife, Mary Ann Blankenship, granddaughter, Angel Leigh Evans, mother and father, Bertie Mae Southerland Blankenship and William Elmer Blankenship, Sr., and brother, Jack Lamar Blankenship.

 He is survived by his Daughter – Melissa Blankenship of Dayton, TX; Son – William Elmer Blankenship, III of Plantersville, TX; Grandchildren – Roslyn Marie Williams, and Wyatt William Wilson; Sister-in-law – Linda Blankenship of Eastman; Best Friend – Dewey Patterson (Tina) of Valdosta; Several nieces and nephews including, Patrick Blankenship.

 The family may be contacted at the residence of Linda Blankenship, 2978 Soperton Hwy., Eastman, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 10:30AM-11:00AM Wednesday, June 9. In addition to flowers, the family has requested contributions to New Union Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.