Gene Blasingame Publix Director of Advertising Lakeland – Gene Blasingame, 84, passed away from heart failure Jan. 28, 2015. Gene was born in Tavares, FL on Nov. 7, 1930 to the late Theodore and Margaret Blasingame. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, and later began his over 30 year career with Publix, where he retired as Director of Advertising. In the early 60's Gene started the Miami division of advertising for Publix, before Mr. George Jenkins called him to run the Lakeland division. He was an avid golfer, and was a past Jenkins Cup winner at Lone Palm. Gene is survived by his wife, Sallie Blasingame; sons, Greg (Lisa) Blasingame, Tim Blasingame, Kelvin (Barbara) Blasingame, Todd (Sheila) Blasingame, Jimmy (Corraine) Helms and Jay Helms; brother, Jim Blasingame; sister, Lois Morgan; 16 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Josh Blasingame. A memorial service will be held Fri. (Feb. 13th) at 2 p.m. at Parkview Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Way of Central Florida or The Wounded Warrior Project.