John Ivey Blanks, 81, was born on March 14, 1932 to the late R.T. and Brady Blanks, and passed away on November 26, 2013 at East Alabama Medical Center. Mr. Blanks was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Sara D. Blanks and a son, John Michael Blanks. He is survived by his children: Carolyn Speaks (Phil), Debra Kiser (Mike), Patty Hope, Jeff Blanks (Betsy), Marty Blanks (Tina); sister Annette Brown; brothers: Rudolph Blanks, Billy Joe Blanks (Robbie), and Jimmy Blanks; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 29, 2013 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 9:30- 10:45 AM. Funeral service will be held on Friday, November 29, 2013 in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home at 11:00 AM with Rev. Norman Strickland officiating. Interment will follow at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika, Alabama.