Mr. Boots "Buddy" C. Blanks

Boots “Buddy” Blanks, 86, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2016 at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland. Visitation will be Sunday, January 8th from 1-3 PM and a funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories. Buddy was proud to serve his country for over 20 years as a Major in the U.S. Army. His decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star with V Device, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge (2nd Award), Master Parachute Wings (U.S. Army and Royal Thai Army) and other service and area Ribbons and Medals. Buddy is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Alice Blanks; the mother of his children, Helen Dickey; and his brother, Joel Blanks. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Joan Blanks of Pearl; sons, Robert C. Blanks and Howard C. Blanks, both of Hattiesburg; step son, Chris (Lynn) Smith of Florence; brothers, Payton (Brenda) Blanks of Ridgeland; grandchildren, Chandler C. Blanks, Austin C. Blanks, Brooke Blanks, and Barrett R. Smith; and great grandchildren, Addie Grace, Sadie and Sophie Smith.