Elmer “Mo” Blankenship, Sr. 87, of Oxford, passed away on September 23, 2014 at Newton Medical Center. He was born on May 29, 1927 to the late Mindy Smith Blankenship. Mr. Blankenship was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Covington where he served as a deacon. He served in the US Navy during WWII and was one of the founding members of the Newton County Touchdown Club. Mr. Blankenship was a member of the Golden Fleece Masonic Lodge No. 6, a longtime scout leader and scout master of Troup No. 211 of Oxford. He loved watching his great-grandson play baseball and was a great family man.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Maxine Blankenship of Oxford; sons and daughters-in-law Hoke and Connie Blankenship, Jr. of Social Circle; Tim Blankenship of Social Circle; Trent Blankenship of Social Circle; grandchildren Shane Blankenship; Crystal Blankenship and Bryan Blankenship; great-grandchildren Kobie Wright; Jordan Reed; Savannah Blankenship; and sister Dot Fincher of Covington.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 26, 2014 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Covington with Rev. Billy Wade and Rev. Louly Fowler Hay officiating. Mr. Blankenship will lie in state one hour prior to the service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. Interment will follow immediately after at Lawnwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Atlanta Area Council of Boy Scouts or First Presbyterian Church of Covington. Wheeler Funeral Home and Crematory 11405 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington, GA. 770-786-7111