unexpectedly in a fire at his home in Homewood, Alabama. When he was younger, Bear enjoyed
spending time with his dad, Barry Neil Blankenship Jr., cousins, and his grandfather at their hunting
camp. In fact, he loved spending time outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, or just hanging out. As a child
you could find Bear and his Dad at West Homewood ballpark playing soccer, baseball or football. The
two were inseparable! They were both avid Alabama football fans. His aunt, Donna Blankenship Bryant,
was his surrogate mother and loved having all three boys together. But it was his grandfather, Barry Neil
Blankenship Sr., who he had an especially deep bond with.
Not only was Bear an extremely hard worker, he was a fierce and loyal friend. Despite his own
personal struggles with depression and addiction , Bear always maintained a great sense of humor; he
was quick to laugh and had an infectious, boyish smile.
Tragically, Bear was predeceased by both his mother, his father, Barry Neil Blankenship, Jr. and his
Nannie, Arlene Hicks Blankenship. He is survived by his grandfather, Barry Neil Blankenship,Sr., his
cousins, Luke Bryant (daughter Abigail Rose) and Paul Bryant (wife Kameron, sons Tanner Brayden and
Slade Wilson), his Aunt, Donna Blankenship Bryant, and his half sister, Ashlee Ann Thompson (fiancee,
James Martin, children Dylan, Ava and Destiny).
In many ways that are too painful to share, Bear had a difficult life. Nevertheless, he always did the
best he could with the tools he had. He had impeccable manners and tried to put a positive spin on
things. Despite his imperfections and mistakes, Bear was loved deeply by his family and friends and he
will be greatly missed. They are comforted by the fact that Bear is with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Bear was born on August 22, 1990.
He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or
pain. The old things have disappeared. (Revelation 21:4)
The family will receive friends at Ridout's Valley Chapel on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 1:00 p.m.
with a Memorial Service following at 2:00 p.m. with the Reverend Mark Davis officiating.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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