George Blankenship

George Blankenship, 94, of North Welch, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 01, 2017. Born March 21, 1923 in McDowell County, he was the son of the late George and Bessie Noe Blankenship. George was a retired coal miner and enjoyed listening to music, camping, fishing, and many other family-filled events. In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by wife Helen of 60 years; two sons, Bill Ray Blankenship and Bob Blankenship; and two brothers, Dennis and Dummer Blankenship.George is survived by two daughters; Betty Richards and husband Fred of Hardy, VA; Anita June Martin and husband Roger of Coalwood, WV. Two sons Kenneth Blankenship of Stanley NC; Michael Blankenship and wife Sandy of Bristol VA. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 18 great-great grandchildren.Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 05, 2017 at 1:00pm at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluefield, WV with Rev. Tony Ellis officiating the service. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell, WV where Bruce Fowler, Josh Fowler, Bobby Blankenship, Greg Phares, Patrick Martin, and Matthew Martin will serve as pallbearers.The family will receive friends from 12:00pm until 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at the funeral home. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com