Gregory Dale Blankenship, 42 of Essex, MD died on December 26, 2006 at University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore, MD.

Born in Logan, West Virginia on February 16, 1964. Mr. Blankenship grew up in Morningside, MD he graduated from Crossland High School in 1982. He was a HVAC mechanic for Chilltrol. Gregory enjoyed playing acoustic and electric guitar, giving his niece guitar lessons, pool, bowling and golf; he also loved Christian rock music.

Survived by his parents Ernest Blankenship of Baltimore, MD and Claris F. Muncey of Brandywine, MD, step-mother Mary P. Blankenship, sisters, Kimberly Blankenship-Letcher of Brandywine, MD, Melissa Franke Billard of Glen Burnie, MD, and Sherie Lee Clever, nephew, Corey D. Letcher and nieces, Casey D. Letcher and Ashley Lynn Krick he is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles cousins and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Frances Blankenship.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 2 P.M. in the First Baptist Church of Essex 911 Mace Avenue Essex, MD 21221 with the Reverend Tim Goins officiating. Interment will be private.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA, 23058-5216 or visit the website at www.americanheart.org.

Arrangements by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., Charlotte Hall, MD 20622.