Tommy Walter Blankenship, 72, of Providence Village, Texas, died Nov. 13 at a Dallas hospital.

He was born Jan. 9, 1946, in Sherman to Walter Alexander Blankenship and Georgia Reynolds Blankenship.  Tom attended Sherman public schools and graduated from Sherman High School in 1964. He attended the University of Texas of Arlington and was a member of the National Guard. He married Sharon Snellings on Aug. 26, 1966. They were longtime residents of Garland where they raised a son, Tommy Walter Blankenship II, and a daughter, Amy Blankenship May.

Tom spent most of his career in the commercial glass industry in Dallas where he helped install glass panels on many prominent skyscrapers. He marveled at being part of a team that created glass buildings with a material so strong that it could withstand the weight, height and winds required to keep a high rise safe for office workers. The magic, see through glass is so strong and fierce most people take it for granted unless it is dirty from the rain, smog and pollution or bird droppings. One hardly notices the glass. It is taken for granted like it doesn't matter. Like God's Grace.

Tom loved Jesus and passed on a heritage of faith, honesty and a work ethic that set an example for his children, grandchildren and co-workers.  In the weeks before Tom's death, he constantly reassured his family that he loved Jesus, and he was ready to go when God called him. The family rests in the knowledge they will all be reunited someday.  Tom's children and grandchildren love approaching the downtown Dallas skyline at sunrise and sunset to see Tom's beautiful work highlighted by God's beautiful illumination.

Tom is survived by his wife, Sharon Blankenship of Providence Village; a son, Tommy Blankenship II of Dallas; a daughter, Amy May and husband, Chip May; brother, James E. Blankenship; and sister, Shawn Hudson. Grandchildren are Jordan May, Mason May, Ethan Blankenship, Kylie May, Summer May and Leena Powers. He also had one great granddaughter, Maddison and one great grandson, Tracey.

A memorial service will be Monday at 2 p.m., Nov. 19, at Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman.