Mr. Glen Blankenship

Born December 24, 1926, he was the son of the late Rev. Lonnie Blankenship and Gladys McKinney Blankenship.

Red worked as an Engineer on the Norfolk Southern, Norfolk Western Railroad and Virginian Railroad.

After his retirement he enjoyed Flea Marking and trading guns, spreading God’s Word.

He served in the Army Air Corp, at Shepard’s Air Force Base in Texas, Scotts Field Illinois, Boringin Field, New Orleans, Louisiana and Corabin Defense Command in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He served as a color guard for Dwight D. Eisenhower while in Puerto Rico.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Gay Wade Blankenship and 3 infant children.

Those left to cherish his memory include children, Joe Blankenship and wife Jennifer of Athens, and Deborah Baxter and husband David of Athens; sister, Mary Polk; brother, Leslie Lonnie grandchildren, David Joseph Cantrell, Sgt. Samuel Cantrell, William Joseph Blankenship, John Paul Blankenship and Sara Leigh Blankenship; step grandchildren, Megan Green, Tyler Gruskievich, and Jacob Gruskievich; great grandchild, Kathleen AnnMarie Cantrell; and a host of nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

Services will be held Friday, October 2 at 1:00 PM with Rev. Hugh McKinney, Rev. Junior Dotson and Rev. Charlie Drake officiating. Entombment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

Friends may gather with the family from 11AM-1:00PM Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Athens Baptist Church, PO Box 728, Athens, WV 24712 or Teen Challenge, Athens, WV 24712.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Williams- Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 101 1st street, Sophia WV.