He was born on September 10, 1965 to Coy Lee and Ruth Marie Hays Blankenship in Henderson County, TN. He was a self-employed HVAC Contractor in the Madison County area. Dale was a dedicated member of his church and community, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, and "Papaw," investing time in not only his own family, but also in his extended adopted family - which was anyone he ever met who needed a kind word or deed. Countless times, Dale opened his home and heart to those who needed a positive role model, a father figure, or a friend.
He is preceded in death by his father Coy Lee Blankenship, and his mother Ruth Marie Hays Blankenship.
He is survived by his wife, Dian Millinder Blankenship of Beech Bluff; his son Wayne Blankenship, and wife Carissa of Three Way; his son Colten Blankenship, and wife Whitney of Beech Bluff; daughter Peggy Johns and husband Chris Johns of Lexington; his grandchildren Lauryn and Addison Blankenship, Remington and Ava Blankenship, and Zane and Caleb Johns; his sisters Diane Douglas and Cathy McGee, both of Jackson; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends and loved ones at a visitation to be held on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 from 4-7 p.m. in the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons.
The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons with Bro. Opie Dodrill and Bro. Charlie Crouthers officiating. Burial will follow in Beech Bluff Cemetery. Following the service on Wednesday, the family will receive friends and family at Beech Bluff Baptist Church.
Active pallbearers to serve will be Collin Johnson, David Cross, T.J. Stewart, Josh Kiestler, John Lovelace, Shawn Attaway, and Tommy Kringle.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Larry Davenport, Joe Carroll, Calvin Doyle, and Larry Evans.