Matthew David Blankenship

Macon, GA- Matthew David Blankenship, 23, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 after a life-long battle with kidney disease. A Celebration of his life will be held Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church in Macon, Rev. Brian Moore and Rev. Dylan Bowden officiating. There will be a fellowship of friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Navicent Children's Hospital, 888 Pine St., Macon GA 31201, National Kidney Foundation , 270 Peachtree St., Suite 1040, Atlanta GA 30303, or the Matthew Blankenship Scholarship fund, 339 Railroad Street, Gray, GA 31032.

Matthew was born in Abilene, TX to Michael Blankenship and Mystee Leno Wilcox. He was a 2012 graduate of Rutland High School, where he received the Spanish Award and the Musicianship Award. Matthew was a member of the RHS Literary team for four years in quartet and soloist, winning 1st place in state for soloist and 2nd place in quartet. Matthew was a five year Georgia All-State Chorus member, a three year Georgia All-State Sightreading Choir member, and attended the elite Governor's Honors Program in Voice. Matthew attended Georgia Southern University where he was involved in the University Singers and the Georgia Southern Chorale. As a member of Southern Chorale, Matthew toured Austria and Italy, and sang at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Matthew cherished his roles in several opera productions at Georgia Southern and Mercer University.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Melodee Blankenship and his maternal grandmother, Fay Leno. Matthew is survived by his mother, Mystee (Dean) Wilcox of Gray, father Michael(Emily) Blankenship of Macon, maternal grandfather, William Leno, paternal grandparents, Charles (Ginny) Blankenship and Sharon (L.E.) McElmurray, and several beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends who were just like family.

Visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.

Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.