William Ray (Bill) Blankenship, age 79 of Apex, died Sunday (10/21/2012). He was born in McDowell County, West Virginia, son of the late Benjamin Harrison Blankenship and Leta Colvill Blankenship. Graveside funeral services with Masonic Rites will be conducted at 11am Wednesday at the Mount Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery in Apex with Rev. Randy Umberger officiaiting. Surviving are his wife Elba Blankenship of the home; Daughter Tammy Hux (Todd) of Apex, NC; Son William R. Blankenship Jr. (Lori) of Pittsboro, NC; Grandchildren Ashleigh Cooper, Myranda Blankenship, Kaila Blankenship, Mason Hux and Molly Hux. The family will receive friends immediately following the graveside service and other times at the family home, 691 Lewter Shop Road Apex. Arrangements are by the Smith Funeral Home of Broadway.

The family is using Dewars Florist in Holly Springs (919)552-3616.