J. R. Blanks

Macon- J. R. "Buck" Blanks, born June 8, 1923, died on December 29, 2008 following a brief illness. Buck was a World War II veteran, awarded the Bronze Star with "V" device and oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge. He was a lifetime Scouter and sustaining member awarded the Silver Beaver, a 32nd Degree Mason, a member and treasurer of the Golden K Kiwanis, and president of Macon Mine and Mill, Inc. Buck was preceded in death by his parents, Otis Lowe Blanks and Norine Roberts Blanks and nine brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Beth Blanks, four children, John R. Blanks, Jr., (Kathryn), Virginia B. McDuffie (Sam), J. Philip Blanks and O. Winchester "Windy" Blanks; nine grandchildren, Rand, Ashlyn, Lori, Jennifer, Sam, Brandi, Adam, Luke, and Laura and ten great-grandchildren, Savannah, Daniel, Abby, Ryan, Hallie, Nathan, Stella, Ben, Hunter, and Jonathan; and his brother, D. Oscar Blanks. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Buck to the Boy Scouts of America, Central GA Council, Meals on Wheels of Macon and Bibb County or the Salvation Army. Services will be held Friday, January 2, 2009 at 10:00AM at Bethany Baptist Church, Monroe County. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Thursday from 5:00PM until 7:00PM at Hart's Mortuary, Cherry Street. Pallbearers are his grandsons and dear friend, Paul Strozier. The family will greet wellwishers at 758 Forest Lake Drive, North following the graveside service. Online register is located at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.