Kennith Sinclair Blankenship

Kennith Sinclair Blankenship, born November 16, 1935, in Alexander City, Alabama, to William and Ruby Blankenship, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2024, at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife of 69 wonderful years, Betty Joy Collier Blankenship; two daughters and sons-in-law, Melinda Cadrette (Jim) and Vicky Moore (Tommy); four grandchildren, Mallory Richardson, Morgan Cadrette, Thomas Moore (MaryBlan), and Anna Epperson (Weston); five great grandchildren, Lila Kate Richardson, Tessa Richardson, William Richardson, Carlisle Moore, and Callan Epperson; a brother Billy Leon Blankenship (Betty) and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ruby Blankenship and two sisters Betty Carol Hughes (Hilton) and Shirley Ann Blankenship.

He graduated from Wetumpka High School in 1954. He went on to receive his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Troy State University and Doctorate from Auburn University.

Ken served two years in the Army at Fort Carson, Colorado. His professional career centered around athletics and education. He coached numerous sports at Shorter High School and A.G. Parrish High School. Ken spent the next twenty five years at the Alabama Department of Education as a specialist and administrator working with teachers across the state. He then held the position of Assistant Director of Personnel for the Department of Education. He went on to become the Executive Director of the Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Scholarship Program followed by the position of Athletic Director for Troy University. Later he served as Executive Director of The Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association. He organized the Alabama Sports Commission serving as its first director. Through his efforts multiple sporting events and facilities were brought to the City of Montgomery.

Ken was dedicated to the Lord, his family, work, and his golf family. A Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Montgomery, Alabama on Monday, July 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will precede the service at 10:00 a.m. A graveside service will be at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m.

The family requests that memorials may be made to the following:

Stegall Seminary Scholarship Endowment Foundation, P.O. Box 241661, Montgomery, AL 36124.

John Ed Mathison Leadership Ministries, 4135 Carmichael Road, Suite 3000, Montgomery, AL 36106.

Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 10163, Birmingham, AL 35202.