Willie B. Blanks, 84, of Rock Island, passed away Sunday, June 12, 2016 at St. Anthony's Nursing and Rehab Center, Rock Island.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, June 17, 2016 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island.  Visitation will be one hour prior to service.  Burial will be at Chippiannock Cemetery, Rock Island.  Memorials may be made to the family.

Willie was born April 6, 1932 and was the only child to Cicero Blanks and Ruthie Mae Jackson.

Willie worked at the Steel Mill, Lauderdale Mississippi.  He enjoyed riding his scooter, company of friends and visits with family.

Willie had a big heart and big smile.  He was always giving.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Palestine McWilliams, Helen Faye Nix and Angelique Lewis.   He also leaves five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.  Also, good friend who was like a daughter to him, Linda Craig.  Willie was preceded in death by long time friend Helen McCoy; his mother, Ruthie Mae Jackson; father, Cicero Blanks; and granddaughter, Helen Faye McWilliams.