Thomas Earl Blankenship III (Trey), born in Mobile, Alabama, on August 29, 1964, departed this life on May 16th, 2026 following a courageous ten-year battle with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. 

Trey is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Murray Blankenship and his four beloved children, Katherine Melton Norton (Charlie), Thomas Earl Blankenship IV "Pete" (Katie), Murray Griser Blankenship (Annie), and John Griser Blankenship, "Jack”. Nothing made him prouder than being a grandfather (affectionately known as “Tay Tay”) to his five beautiful grandchildren: Anne Elizabeth Norton, Katherine Pearson Norton, Thomas Grey Blankenship, Lucille Lee Blankenship, and John Reese Blankenship. He also leaves behind his parents, Thomas Earl Blankenship Jr. and Florence Schmohl Blankenship and three sisters, Florence Blankenship Hart (Frank), Jeanne Blankenship Gray, and Marion Blankenship McCord (Cameron) and a wide circle of loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Trey’s education began at St. Dominic’s Catholic School, continuing through McGill-Toolen High School, and ultimately leading him to the University of Alabama. Throughout his youth and high school years, he was an avid athlete who loved playing football, basketball, and baseball. After college, he returned to Mobile to join the family business, Universal Supply Company. In 2000, he founded Universal Glass Company, leading the business as president and owner until its closing in 2016.

Trey’s passions were rooted in the things and people he loved most: University of Alabama football, fishing in his Stauter boat on Dog River, and sailing his Hobie Cat. There was truly nowhere he felt more at peace, or more genuinely happy, than when he was out on the water. Above all, he loved showing off pictures of his children. Trey truly never met a stranger; he was the kind of person who would cross a crowded room or a store just to greet someone he remembered from grade school. He had a genuine love for people, deeply treasuring both lifelong friends and his family.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to his longtime caregiver, Shantel Averhart, the staff at Hartland Assisted Living, and his cherished sister-in-law and soulmate on the water, Lucille Rencher Murray 'Lucy,' for their steadfast, graceful care and devotion. Though heartbroken, they are profoundly grateful that his long struggle is over, and that he is now resting peacefully and fully healed.

A memorial service celebrating Trey’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 26th, at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends during a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM, with the service to follow in the chapel at 11:00 AM.

 Memorial gifts may be made in Trey’s honor to Dauphin Way United Methodist Church or Young Life of Mobile, both of which were deeply important to him during his lifetime.