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BARNESVILLE, Ga. —

Mr. Earl Blaine Dunlap, age 42, of Barnesville, Ga., passed away after an extended battle with cancer on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010, in a Griffin Healthcare Facility, Griffin, Ga., surrounded by his family and many friends. 

Blaine was born in Griffin, Ga., July 1, 1968, and moved with his family to Adrian, Mich., shortly thereafter. He spent his early childhood in the Adrian area before moving with his family to Louisville, Ky., in 1980. Blaine graduated from Oldham County, Ky., High School in 1986 and shortly thereafter served in the United States Navy, and then made his career in Trucking Industry Management and as a Communications Consultant.

If there was a single outstanding characteristic that described Blaine it would be that he was a friend to everyone and looked at no one as a stranger. He viewed his life, family and friends as a blessing, and this never wavered throughout his illness. He was an avid sports aficionado and particularly a zealous Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He had a unique quality of leaving an indelible impression and smile on the faces of all those he touched throughout his short life.

Blaine and his wife Denise, who were childhood friends, were married June 15, 2004. Denise was the love of his life. Along with Denise he is survived by his son, Morgan of Roscoe, Ill.; stepson, Trey of Nashville, Tenn.; and stepdaughter, Alyssa of Barnesville, Ga. He, along with wife Denise, was a member of Rock Springs Congregational Methodist Church.

In addition to his wife and children he is survived by his father, Earl L. (Susan) Dunlap, Effingham, Ill.; mother, Deidra (Greg) Arends of Sugar Grove, Ill.; brother, Matt Dunlap, of Louisville, Ky.; grandchildren, Kiley and Corley of Nashville, Tenn.; nieces, Sara and Madison,  of Louisville, Ky.; maternal grandparents, Marion and Colleen White Sr. of Forsyth, Ga.; aunts and uncles, James H. (Barbara) Dunlap of East Lansing, Mich.; Lewis (Linda) White of Milner, Ga.; Cyree White of Stockbridge, Ga.; Michelle Smith of Forsyth, Ga.; and lifelong friends, Clifford Yard of Jackson, Mich.; Jon Arnold of Adrian, Mich.; and Stephanie (Arnold) Senn of Wayland, Mich. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, H. Lyman and Mary L. Dunlap of Adrian, Mich.; and aunt, Marsha Cleveland of Monticello, Ga.

Funeral Services for Blaine Dunlap were conducted Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at Rock Springs Congregational Methodist Church. Interment followed at The Rock Springs Church Cemetery.

It was Blaine's wish that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society. Those who wish may view the Memorial Page and sign the Guestbook online at: www.williamsfh.net under Earl Blaine Dunlap.