GAP MILLS, WV --- Vernon Lee Blankenship, 77 of Gap Mills. WV passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital at Roanoke, Virginia following a short illness.
He was born at Rock, West Virginia, May 8, 1940 a son of Jewell Vaught Blankenship Wilson of Richmond, Virginia and the late Ralph Blankenship.
Mr. Blankenship was a retired employee of Westvaco having worked as a heavy equipment computer operator, a veteran of the US Army having served as a Staff Sargent with the 101st Airborne, a member of the Sky Divers Club in Colorado Springs, Colo., the Hang Gliders Club in West Virginia. He attended the Crimson Springs Church, was an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman who loved bird watching, as well as being an artist and woodcarver. He was also an amazing husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
In addition to his father he was preceded in death by his step father, Woodrow Wilson; 2 brothers, Harold and Ted Blankenship; a sister-in-law, Charlene Blankenship; his brother's lifelong friend and companion, Clyde Grubbs; step-sister, Donna Boggess.
He is survived by his wife, Katherine Clarkson Blankenship of Gap Mills; one son, Rickie Lee Blankenship and companion, Joy of Gap Mills; a daughter, Tammy Wygal and husband, Kenny of White Sulphur Springs; 3 grandsons, Patrick Vernon Wygal and wife, Taylor; Nathaniel Scott Wygal and Isaiah Jackson Wygal; a great granddaughter, Grace Ann Wygal; 3 brothers, Clarke Blankenship and wife, Nancy of Richmond, Va., Alvin Blankenship and wife, Mary Lou of Gap Mills, Doug Blankenship of Sweet Springs; 3 step-brothers, Melvin Wilson and wife, Gayle, Willard Wilson and wife, Betsy, Rick Wilson and wife, Judy; 2 step-sisters; Phyllis Hanson and husband, Clark, Cathy Smith and husband, Blaine.
Memorial Services will be held 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at the Crimson Springs Church at Zenith with Pastor Jimmy Rogers and Rev. George Clarkson officiating. Friends may call at the church from 2 until service time.
Military Honors will be provided by the West Virginia Honor Guard.
Those wishing to send online condolences to the Blankenship Family may do so by visiting www. grovesfuneralhome.com
Groves Funeral Home in Union is in charge of arrangements.