He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Harben on June 23, 1953.

Mr. Blankenship served in the United States Army for two years. He was a 32 Degree Mason; a Kentucky Colonel; Member of Antioch Church of Christ in Ramer, TN, and the VAW Checker Champion of 1972 in Kentucky. Mr. Blankenship enjoyed playing checkers, fishing, hunting, and gardening. He loved his family with all of his heart.

Mr. Blankenship departed this life on January 25, 2021 in Corinth, Mississippi at the age of 88 Years, 3 Months, 16 Days. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann Blankenship of Guys, TN; three daughters, Debbie Nethery and husband Trent of Walnut, MS, Amy Wray of Louisville, KY, and Darlene Thacker of Guys, TN; a son, Ronnie Blankenship of Guys, TN; two sisters, Linda Martin and husband Andrew, Donna Reynolds and husband Don; nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, a special checker playing buddy, Marland Harben and all of his checker playing buddies.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Blankenship was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra Stephens; and a granddaughter, Sarah Wray.

Services will be held on January 29, 2021 at 11:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Shackelford Funeral Directors, 160 West Cypress Avenue, PO Box 309, Selmer, Tennessee 38375, with Trent Nethery Sr., Trent Nethery Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the Indian Creek Cemetery at Ramer, Indian Creek Cemetery Road, Chewalla, TN