John Gregory “Greg” Blankenship, age 61, died Saturday evening August 7, 2021 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are pending with Seagle Funeral Home, Pulaski.
Greg was my 1st cousin. His mom, Irene Bevil Blankenship and my mom, Ann Bevil Reese both deceased, were sisters. Greg was more than a cousin to me. He was like my big brother. We grew up in same neighborhood. His family on Lagrange in Pulaski, and mine on Bertha St. Across the tracks. The “rough” side of town in those days. Our families were close and inseparable. Sports played a big role in our childhood, and by far Greg was one of the toughest and everybody knew it. He had a smile that would light up a room, and an upper cut that would light up your jaw. He got his toughness from his dad Bud, and his kind heart from his mom Irene. Bud often made us box each other. (with gloves), but I always seemed to come out worse for wear. Everyone knew the Blankenships and knew they stood up for themselves and if u messed with one, you mess with the whole family. Man are we gonna miss him. We played Cougar football together, I started my sophomore , and junior years, which was his junior and senior years. He always pushed us to the limit to be the best we could be. One more rep, one more lap, one more whatever to better yourself. I watched him his senior year at linebacker and team captain (1978 football season) play the last 5 games on literally a broke ankle. Tough. That’s what Greg was. Tough. The first to kick your butt, and the first to help you up and pat you on the back for a great effort. His service to his country and state earned him high, well deserved honors and I will miss my cuz, just like everyone who knew him will. Rest in peace brother. Perry Reese.
Brandi Blankenship-Anderson
August 11, 2021 @
10:19 am
Perry, Saturday at Bob white church. 11/12 are family. Even tho your memories have me crying again I loved hearing them💚 he has always been there for me he knew when I needed him & Leigh the most & they’d be there:) Even tho my heart is crushed I now he’s with his mom, dad,& your sweet mom💕
Hope your able to make it Saturday!
Roscoe Young
August 10, 2021 @
9:59 pm
Greg Blankenship is a good friend and one of the toughest football player I known. I send my condolences to the family. Greg, rest in peace, my brother. We will miss you and I know that you are in a better place. Even though we been out of touch but always in heart. Love you man.
Your friend,
Roscoe Young
Chris Anderson
August 11, 2021 @
8:09 am
A great person all around gone to soon I’m just lost for words.
Lea Cash
August 9, 2021 @ 11:25 am
Rest well brother.
Perry Reese
August 9, 2021 @ 8:26 pm
Greg was my 1st cousin. His mom, Irene Bevil Blankenship and my mom, Ann Bevil Reese both deceased, were sisters. Greg was more than a cousin to me. He was like my big brother. We grew up in same neighborhood. His family on Lagrange in Pulaski, and mine on Bertha St. Across the tracks. The “rough” side of town in those days. Our families were close and inseparable. Sports played a big role in our childhood, and by far Greg was one of the toughest and everybody knew it. He had a smile that would light up a room, and an upper cut that would light up your jaw. He got his toughness from his dad Bud, and his kind heart from his mom Irene. Bud often made us box each other. (with gloves), but I always seemed to come out worse for wear. Everyone knew the Blankenships and knew they stood up for themselves and if u messed with one, you mess with the whole family. Man are we gonna miss him. We played Cougar football together, I started my sophomore , and junior years, which was his junior and senior years. He always pushed us to the limit to be the best we could be. One more rep, one more lap, one more whatever to better yourself. I watched him his senior year at linebacker and team captain (1978 football season) play the last 5 games on literally a broke ankle. Tough. That’s what Greg was. Tough. The first to kick your butt, and the first to help you up and pat you on the back for a great effort. His service to his country and state earned him high, well deserved honors and I will miss my cuz, just like everyone who knew him will. Rest in peace brother. Perry Reese.
Brandi Blankenship-Anderson
August 11, 2021 @ 10:19 am
Perry, Saturday at Bob white church. 11/12 are family. Even tho your memories have me crying again I loved hearing them💚 he has always been there for me he knew when I needed him & Leigh the most & they’d be there:) Even tho my heart is crushed I now he’s with his mom, dad,& your sweet mom💕
Hope your able to make it Saturday!
Roscoe Young
August 10, 2021 @ 9:59 pm
Greg Blankenship is a good friend and one of the toughest football player I known. I send my condolences to the family. Greg, rest in peace, my brother. We will miss you and I know that you are in a better place. Even though we been out of touch but always in heart. Love you man.
Your friend,
Roscoe Young
Chris Anderson
August 11, 2021 @ 8:09 am
A great person all around gone to soon I’m just lost for words.