Bobby "Bob" Lane Blankenship

Bobby Lane “Bob” Blankenship, born March 7, 1939, in Kentucky, passed away on October 12, 2026.

Bob valued learning, service, and sports. He attended Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, Tennessee, on a basketball scholarship and later attended Campbellsville University on another basketball scholarship. He earned a master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he also served as a basketball graduate assistant. He served seven years in the Army National Guard.

Bob came to Georgia to teach high school social studies and physical education in Cobb County. He started the basketball program at Wills High School, coaching many successful teams, and later taught at Riverwood High School in Fulton County, where he also established its basketball program. He coached baseball as well and was invited to try out for a New York Yankees farm team.

He later became a sporting goods manufacturer’s representative, representing several well-known companies. In the 1980s, he and his partners formed Southeast Sports Sales, which served the ten southeastern states.

Sports remained a lifelong passion. Bob especially enjoyed Kentucky basketball, Georgia football, and the Atlanta Braves. He was also known for his curiosity and enthusiasm for the things he loved.

Bob and his wife, Dianne, lived in a historic home in Hoschton and cherished their community and many friends. He was a member of Hoschton United Methodist Church, where he served as a trustee.

Bob is survived by his wife of 50 and a half years, Dianne Saylors Blankenship; his sister, Sharon Blankenship of Franklin, Kentucky; his niece, Kaye Ladd, her husband, Steve, and their son, Seth, all of Franklin; and his sister-in-law, Pam Saylors of Richmond, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Evans Blankenship; his mother, Zonia Franklin Blankenship; and his brother, Charles Blankenship.

Bob’s life touched his family, friends, students, athletes, and colleagues, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 2:00pm, at the Hoschton United Methodist Church, located at 12 Mulberry Street in Hoschton, Ga., 30548. Officiating will be Rev. Marvin Mason. Interment cremation. 

Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53, Hoschton, GA 30548. Lawsonfuneralhome.org. 706-654-0966.