WILMINGTON — Beloved husband, father, son, brother and veteran, Willie Blanks III, 57, of Wilmington, NC died Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Wilmington.
Will was born February 11, 1969 in Wiesbaden, Germany. He graduated from Pine Forest Hight School in Fayetteville, NC. Will followed in the footsteps of many of his family members, serving in the Marine Corps, the United States Air Force, and the Army National Guard. During his time in the service, he received commendations, medals, and ribbons. After his military career, Will worked with the Department of the VA.
Will was a devoted husband, loving father, beloved son, cherished brother, proud military veteran and a dear friend to many. His life was a testament to love, strength, courage, sacrifice and dedication to the people and country he held dear.
As a husband, Will was a source of love, comfort, companionship and strength. He stood beside his wife through life’s joys and challenges, building a family and a lifetime of memories that will forever be treasured.
As a father, he was deeply devoted to his children. He worked hard to provide, protect, guide and encourage them. His love for his family was unwavering and the lessons and values he passed down will continue to live through his children and future generations.
As a brother, he was loved and treasured by his family. He shared years of memories, laughter, celebrations and life experiences with those closest to him. His place in our family can never be filled and his absence will always be felt.
Will loved riding a cycle and early in life he said, “Mommy, I love feeling the wind in my face”. Riding his cycle was living to him. Over the years he had other interest but always came back to his cycle.
Preceding Will in death were Mary Bass (grandmother), Willie and Leona Blanks Sr. (grandparents), Janie Bass and Mary Elam (aunts) and Larry Dent, Jonny Blanks, Andrew Bass and John Bass (uncles).
Survivors include his wife Teri; sons Tyriece and Savion; daughter Vanessa; father Retired Army Willie Blanks Jr.; mother Bishop Patricia Blanks; brother Desie Blanks (Shevette); aunties Linda, Brenda, Thurdell, Cherry and Valarie; uncle Edward; niece Kezhia; nephews Desie Jr. and Christopher; four great nephews, two great nieces and a host of cousins.
A celebration of Will’s life will be 11:00 am Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 South 41st Wilmington, NC 28403.
The Blanks family would like to give a heart-felt thank you to everyone who brought food, drinks, phone calls, messages, cards, emails, flowers and especially your prayers for the family. The family gives a special thank you to Norma Navarro, Supervisor, Personnel Security Specialist, US Department of Veterans Affairs and all those who worked alongside Will and a special thank you to Wilmington Funeral & Cremation for their excellent service.
Don’t Grieve for Me
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free;
I’m following the path God laid for me
I took God’s hand when I heard Him call
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow;
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me;
God wanted me now, He set me free.
