Clint Blankenship passed away peacefully on September 27, 2 011 at New York- Presbyterian Hospital in New York City where he was being treated for a long-term illness. He was surrounded by family.
Clint was born on December 25th, 1979, in Anderson, SC to his parents, Roger and Brenda Blankenship of Mars Hill, NC. He spent much of his childhood in Seneca, SC and Pembroke, VA, before moving to North Carolina. He graduated from North Buncombe High School in 1998. It was there that he met the love of his life, Crystal Sanderson Blankenship. They were married for over 14 years and had three beautiful children, Mikayla Ann Blankenship, 14; Isaiah Roger Blankenship, 12; and, Landon Hardy Blankenship, 3. His family was his inspiration for putting up such a noble fight.
Clint joined the Army in 1998 with full intentions of being a career man, but had to leave the Army in 2000 due to medical complications from his service. After receiving an honorable discharge, Clint returned home where he got his General Contractor's license and was part-owner of Appalachian Mountain Homes in Mars Hill until his health worsened.
Clint had a special personality that inspired everyone with whom he came in contact. He was a man of unwavering faith, strong character, love of country, and a love of family that was unsurpassed.
Clint is also survived by his sister and closest friend, Carmela Blankenship Blackwell and her husband, Jason Blackwell of Mars Hill; his very special in-laws, Bill and Glenda Sanderson of Weaverville; brother-in-law, Billy Sanderson and his wife, Allison of Lexington, SC; and, sister-in-law, Angela Sanderson of Weaverville; nieces, Kaitlan Blackwell, Kara Blankenship, Vanessa Sanderson, and Christina Sanderson; and nephew, Will Sanderson. He is also survived by his paternal grandparents, Jay and Velma Blankenship of Weaverville, NC as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins all of who held a special place in his heart.
Clint was a member of Pleasant Gap United Methodist, but due to size restraints his Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 2, 2011 at Blue Ridge Funeral Service, Mars Hill. A receiving will follow the service at the Fellowship Hall of the Mars Hill Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church/Clint Blankenship Memorial Fund, PO Box 211, Barnardsville, NC 28709.