Littleton Gardner Blanks, III

Littleton Gardner Blanks III (Lit) of Forest, Virginia passed away peacefully in his sleep early Monday morning and went home to be with Our Heavenly Father.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 44 years, Janice Mahanes Blanks; his son, Littleton Gardner Blanks IV; his daughter, Brooksie Kramer and her husband Matt; his grandsons, Gardner Blanks V, Blanks Matthew Kramer, and Everett Gardner Kramer; his granddaughter Littleton Elizabeth Kramer (Litty); his siblings, John Blanks (Betty Lynn), Jane Wingfield (Bill), and Greg Blanks (Ginger); many nieces and nephews and their children; close family friends Kenny and Carla May; and many, many others who were blessed to call him a friend.

Lit was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on October 20, 1952. He was the son of the late Littleton Gardner Blanks and Martha Taylor Blanks.

Lit was the retired founder and Owner/Broker of Blanks Properties Real Estate and Property Management Services.

Living up to his middle name, Lit was an accomplished gardener, growing a variety of vegetables while teaching his children how to care for plants of all types. He enjoyed hosting family and friends at pool parties, Kentucky Derby parties, and family gatherings for holidays and birthdays. He was an avid recreational golfer, fantastic cook, and an exercise enthusiast, lifting weights and riding his stationary bike for miles each morning. During their 44 years of marriage, Lit and Janice traveled, built a business together, and sat down to a meal together nearly every night. Known as Dat and Grandaddy to the grandchildren who loved him, in his later years, Lit enjoyed reading, solving advanced-level Sudoku puzzles, watching movies, and cheering on the UVA Cavaliers, Miami Dolphins, and Boston Celtics.

Lit was a Christian man who loved God. When he was able, he attended Bethany Methodist Church, but when his health declined, he watched a televised church service every Sunday morning.

Hearts are a little heavier today even as we know that Lit is rejoicing with his Savior, free from pain. Lit was so loved, and he will be sorely missed.

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, September 1 at Bethany Methodist Church in Forest. Visitation will begin at 11:00am with a funeral service following at 12 noon, and interment immediately following at Virginia Memorial Park.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.