Gary Carlous Blankenship, 68, of Cope, SC formerly of Richlands, VA, departed this Earth on February 18, 2026. He was predeceased by his custodial paternal grandparents, Elbert and Pearl (Shortt) Blankenship, his father, Herman Carlous Blankenship, his mother, Pauline Vance Blankenship Frye, his brothers-in-law, Freddie Lowe, and Ernest “Tommy” Robinson.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Linda Sue Lowe Blankenship; sons, David (Kristi) Blankenship, Christopher (Brittany) Blankenship both of Lexington, SC; granddaughters, Taylor Blankenship (Matthew McKeever) of Fort Mill, SC, Sarah Blankenship, Abbigail Blankenship, Sadie Blankenship, Emma Blankenship, and Camille Blankenship all of Lexington, SC; sister-in-law, Teresa Robinson of Deridder, LA; brothers-in-law, Rickey Lowe and Stevie Lowe both of Richlands, VA; cousin, Freda Sykes of Orangeburg, SC; minister and friend, Lawrence Cook; and best friend of over 38 years, Jim Brown of Industry, PA with whom he shared his morning McDonald’s biscuit and gravy. Gary is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Gary was a 1976 graduate of Richlands High School. He went on to further his education and received an associate’s degree in welding and finally graduating with an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Gary was a long-time member and elder at Living Vine Worship Center in Orangeburg, SC. He was an expert class amateur radio operator, call sign KW4GB. Gary was proud of and loved to share the many stories he acquired during his time as a county deputy sheriff and then as a city police officer. Gary was always fiercely family oriented, perpetually prepared with a quip and quick wit, and will be sorely missed.

Per Gary’s wishes Gary will be cremated and a Celebration of Life service will be announced at a later date.