Blankenship, Claude Davis

Claude Davis Blankenship, age 90 of Narrows, Virginia answered the call to his Heavenly home on the evening of October 31, 2024 at Lewis-Gale Hospital-Montgomery, surrounded by his son Butch, grandson, Connor, and his beloved step-granddaughter, Larissa Edwards who I wish to say a huge Thank You and we so very much appreciate your love, compassion, and caring for Dad these past months as he was in decline. Dad would not have made it to celebrate his 90th birthday had it not been for you taking so much time out of your own busy schedule to visit and offer all the extra help with his constant care.

Dad was born at home in Narrows, Virginia on August 18, 1934 to the late Jesse Davis and Lillie Mae Clark Blankenship. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Margaret Mullins Blankenship; son, Timothy DeWayne Blankenship; brothers, Michael D Blankenship, and Dewey L. Blankenship; and sister, Phyllis M. Blankenship.

Dad was an avid outdoor sportsman and gun enthusiast his entire life until losing a leg just prior to his 84th birthday. He was employed with Brinks Incorporated as an armored vehicle driver, as well as Giles County Public Works then finished his career as a Corrections Officer at Bland Correctional Center in White Gate, Virginia.

He is survived by one son, Claude Davis (“Butch”) Blankenship, JR. and wife Karen of Woodlawn, Virginia; three brothers, Curtis Blankenship of Princeton, WV; Wayne Blankenship and wife Joan of Lerona, WV; Roger Blankenship and wife, Loretta of Pearisburg, VA; two sisters, Debbie Webb of Pearisburg, VA, Linda Linkous and husband Barry of Narrows, VA; five grandchildren, Richard Blankenship and wife, Bobbi Jo of Archdale, NC, Jennifer Martin and husband Tristan of Independence, VA, Shanna Powell of Christiansburg, VA, Connor Blankenship of Woodlawn, VA, Kathlena Minnick and husband Robert of Romney, WV; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and many, many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service and burial will be held Sunday, November 3, 2024 in the Fairview Cemetery in Narrows, VA at 2:00 PM with C.D. “Butch” Blankenship, Jr. officiating. Claude will be laid to rest beside his wife and son, Timothy. Family and friends may gather for a time before the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, the son requests donations to be made to: The Gideons International, PO Box 614, Galax, Virginia 24333, for the purchase of Bibles and New Testaments to be distributed worldwide.

I would also like to thank his very special caregiver at Heritage Hall-Blacksburg, Melissa Haywood, for her extraordinary care and love shown to my father while there during a time of her own personal grief from the loss of her son; and to the entire 4th floor care team, Comfort Care nurse, and attending physicians at Lewis-Gale Hospital-Montgomery, please accept my family’s sincere gratitude.

Lastly the professionalism, care, and compassion by Medi-Home Health and Hospice while at Heritage Hall, then to Carilion Hospice his final day in the hospital was phenomenal! You hospice folks, are a Godsend.

A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Blankenship family.