Harry Thomas Blankenship

Harry Thomas Blankenship, 75, of Buford, GA born September 30, 1947 passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, January, 11, 2023. Harry was proceeded in death by his parents, AJ and Ruby Dean Blankenship; his brothers, Harold Blankenship and Danny Blankenship; his father-in-law, J.T. Buice; his son-in-law, Johnny Whitt; his brother-in-laws, Ed Martin, Rueben Price, and Karl Meth; his nephews, Darryl Gower and Brad Price. He is survived by his wife of 54 1/2 years, Gail Buice Blankenship; his children, Jeff Blankenship (Diane Brown), Chris Blankenship (Mindy), and Michelle Blankenship Whitt; his former daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Blankenship; his grandchildren, Josh Blankenship (Heather), Madison Verroco (Michael), Jordan Blankenship (Alex), Bentley Whitt (Jack Ness), Matthew Blankenship, Jacob Whitt, Ashley Blankenship, J.T. Whitt, and Jackson Blankenship; his mother-in-law, Betty Buice; his great-grandchildren, Harlan Blankenship and Walker Blankenship; his beloved furry friend, Rutledge; his sisters, Betty Price and Patricia Plunkett (Phil); his brother, Bill Blankenship (Ann); his sister-in-laws, Janet Martin, Patti Waycaster (Michael), Debbie Reece (Greg); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Harry was a lifelong resident of Buford.  He was a long-term member of Sugar Hill United Methodist Church. Harry began his career in cabinetry at an early age first with Roy Harris and then later with Harold Wilkerson. In the early 1970s, Harry and Gail started their own cabinet company in the early 1970’s, Blankenship Cabinets, that has grown into the family business that it is today.

Harry had many hobbies and passions in life. A few of these consisted of his love of building, restoring, and showing antique cars, as he was a member of multiple car clubs throughout his life time. There was nothing that he enjoyed more than hanging out at Mitchell’s Body Shop with all the guys, as we all called it “Body Shop Talk”, and always telling Melanie, “Hurry Up”. However, Harry’s greatest passion in life was spending time with his loving wife Gail and family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

Harry never met a stranger and always made everyone feel welcome no matter what. Harry, also known as Pop Pop, always saw the best in everyone and was there for anyone who ever needed him. The family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers who helped take care of him during his last days. 

Family will receive friends and family on Friday, January 20, 2023 from 1-4 pm and 5-8 pm and Saturday, January 21,2023 from 12:30 until 2:00 pm prior to the service at Flanigan Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Flanigan Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Campbell and Pastor Stephen Fountain officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, or Classic Auto Rides Inc of Buford, GA (mail check to: CARS 5285 Palmero Court, Buford, GA 30518) in Harry’s memory.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.