Ora William Blankenship Jr.  88, of New Berlin, IL passed away on July 8, 2024 at Memorial Hospital. Ora was born on June 5, 1936 in Springfield, the son of Ora and Bessie Blankenship.

Ora was a U.S. Army Veteran.  Ora began as a general contractor before starting Blankenship's Appaloosas.  This led him to establishing Free 'N Bold Farms where he spent a lifetime of breeding, training, and racing Thoroughbred horses.  We never knew Ora to miss watching a single Triple Crown race. He was a huge auto racing fan and enjoyed watching NASCAR and the World of Outlaw races.  Ora even earned many checkered flags himself while driving at Shaheen's Raceway. RVing with his family, in particular his brothers and sisters, was his favorite pastime.  Ora lived life to the fullest and was known as the life of the party.

He was preceded in death by; brothers, Loren, Lewis "Sonny," William "Bill," Francis "Babe," Robert "Poad;" Fred and sisters, Helen, Almeida, Juanita, Denzil, Evelyn, Donna, Shirley, and Linda and one Grandson, Eric Stuart.

He is survived by his children with Mariel McFarland, sons Richard L (Josie) Blankenship of Illiopolis, IL and Max W (Janet) Blankenship of Chatham, IL., and daughter, Leslie A (William) Kulavic of Springfield, IL. ; several grandchildren, many great- grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 10 am to 12pm on Friday, July 12th, at Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home, 530 North 5th St. Springfield, IL 62702. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery.