Joseph V. Blanks Sr.

GRAHAM - Joseph V. Blanks Sr., 80, passed away at his home Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, after 11 years of declining health.Born in Anniston, Ala., to James Claude and Juanita Drawdy Blanks on Nov. 23, 1933, Joe lived in Logan, W.Va. until joining the Navy in 1951. His first tour was at the end of the Korean Conflict. He was later stationed in Spain and then deployed to Southeast Asia (two tours) for the Viet Nam War. He was a Boatswain during that tour and the one following aboard the USS New Jersey. After retiring from the Navy, he relocated to Greensboro to work with Western Electric (AT&T) aboard the cable ships which took him all over the world. Most of his adult life was spent on the ocean.Survivors include his wife, Sallye, of the home; children adopted in his heart, Rick and Kathy Hurlocker; grandchildren, Joey, Matthew, Bryan and Michael Hurlocker. The real loves of his life were heart adopted great-granddaughters, Carrie Jo and Kaylee, Kennedy and Bella; sons, Joey, Bernie and Gary; daughter, Mary Jo. Graveside services will be Sunday, Oct. 12, at 3 p.m. in Graham Memorial Park conducted by Holly Lux-Sullivan, Hospice Chaplain, with Military Rites by the Randolph Veterans Association and VFW Post 2972 Commander, John Marion. The family would like to express their gratitude, first of all to "daughter" Kathy for the many hours of help, love and care she gave Joe, then to the staff of the Alamance-Caswell Hospice: Teressa, Chrystal, Vickie, Sherry, Holly and Ken. Your love and care made Joe's life better and easier. A heartfelt 'thanks' goes to Dr. Richard Letvak, whose care and compassion kept Joe going these 11 years. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 1120 G Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005 or the Hospice of Alamance-Caswell, 918 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.