William Larry Blankenship of Rockford departed this earthly life December 22, 2024.  He was born March 4, 1950, in Chase, AL the son of the late Jennie L. Hitch and William Lane. He married the former Boria (QT) Finklea on May 6, 1989.  Larry was employed several years for Rockford Mass Transit and previously at Winnebago County Housing Authority.  He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church serving as Chairman of the Deacon Board and Sunday School teacher.  He graduated from Auburn High School Class of 1968. Larry also served 14 years and 9 months in the US Airforce, as SSGT.

Larry leaves to cherish many loving memories his wife of more than 35 years, Boria, sons Cornelius and Sedrick (Dione) Jones, Grandchildren Brittany "Deshae", Tyair, Tamrick "Hayes", Jasmyne, Damon, Javon, Aliyah, Jordan, Jamil "Tall", Asia, Aniya GreatGrandchildren Nymirra "Bentlei", Jalen, Thailon "Lamar", Olivia, Zoi'anna, Omari, Tazariah Special Nieces: Arkilah "Shirita", Jauzlynn "Patrice" and Great Grand Dog: Mr. Brixxton; Siblings: Patricia (Johnny) Robinson, Geneva Haley, Brenda (Donald) Washington, Janet Blankenship, Elnora (Warren) Perkins, Delores (Pastor Joseph) Herron, Cheryl Hitch and Brother-Harvey Hitch.  Additional siblings Richard (Joyce) Mack, Minnie Barnard and Evelyn Finkley, many nieces, nephews, cousins and the Bethel Church Family.

Larry was predeceased by his father, mother, brother-Jimmy Blankenship, daughter–Carla Blankenship and granddaughter, Brianna, several aunts and uncles.

Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Bethel Baptist Church 724 Harrison Ave. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held 8:00 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc.