Call Us: 757-312-9700
Available 24/7

Col. Randolph M. Blanks

8/24/1945 - 11/19/2025

Text:

Obituary For Col. Randolph M. Blanks

Colonel Randolph Blanks

Suffolk - Colonel Randolph M. Blanks (USAF Ret) of Suffolk VA passed away on November 19, 2025 after battling cancer. Col. Blanks was born in South Boston VA and raised in Clarksville. He is the son of Mason and Dot Blanks (deceased). He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Anne Williams Blanks, sons James Blanks (Kathy) and granddaughters Morgan and Sarah of Bumpass VA, Joseph Blanks of Chesapeake VA, and his sister Marlise Crowe of Halifax Va. Col. Blanks graduated from Bluestone High School and received his Air Force commission upon graduating with a BA from Virginia Military Institute in 1967. He also received a MA from Central Michigan University. Upon graduation from VMI, Col. Blanks served as an ICBM Launch Officer at Grand Forks AFB ND. His other assignments included a tour at Strategic Air Command Headquarters in operations. This assignment was followed by tours at Headquarter And s Air Force in strategic forces and Office of the Chairman, JCS. While on the JCS staff, he was instrumental in establishing the United States Space Command and became the Executive Officer for the commander. He also served as the Director of Operations and later Vice Wing commander at F. E, Warren AFB. His Operations group was selected as the Best in SAC in 1988. His final assignment was on the Air Force Secretary staff for strategic systems acquisitions. After retiring from the Air Force, Col Blanks worked on National Missile Defense with the Boeing Company. Col Blanks was awarded the Defense Superior Defense medal, the Legion of Merit medal, the Defense Distinguished Service medal the AF Distinguished Service Medal and the AF Commendation. Medal. Honorary pallbearers Bolling Williamson (61) Jim Wilson (67) John Forsyth (67) Randolph Williams (66) Bill Hoofnagle (67) John Lee (67) Jim Henry (68)

Request remembrances be donated to the Virginia Miliary Institute Foundation, Lexington VA 319 Letcher Ave, Lexington, VA 24450.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    Tad jose planted 5 trees in memory of Col. Randolph M. Blanks . - 11/23/2025

Condolences

  • 12/07/2025

    Craig and Kathy Streett

    Ann, Jim and Joe...we are so sorry to hear of Randolph's passing! Our thoughts and prayers are sent your way!

  • 11/22/2025

    Asa Page

    Anne and sons, please accept Karen's and my deepest condolences. Randy's friendship was the reason why I became active in the VMIAA after being away for so many years. He became my mentor and I will always consider myself privileged to have known him. May God grant you His peace, with the knowledge that Randy now rests in the light of His eternal presence. Asa Page, VMI 79

  • 11/22/2025

    john B Farley '67

    Rest easy,Brother Rat. I was privileged to know you ! JB Farley

  • 11/21/2025

    James Spellman

    Randy was a good friend and solid VMI man. We served together on the AA board. It was a joy to know him and Im terribly saddened to hear of his passing. May he truly rest in peace with our creator and my sincerest sympathies to his family. Jim Spellman '85 Past President, VMIAA

  • 11/21/2025

    richard stanard

    he was my brother tat (vmi classmate) so i knew him fairly well...enough that i learned mch fm him b/c he was smarter than i was, and we both knew ths...i am missing him now...thank you br 🇺🇲🙏

  • 11/21/2025

    Tony Accettullo

    I am most asssuradly proud to have been friends with Randolph. His accomplishments have been praise worthy even before his military service. As luck would have it we became friends early and He will certainly be missed by many. Thank you Randolph

Add a Candle or Spiritual Image

Click below to add to your message.