Blankenship, Arberdeen

Arberdeen Blankenship, 77 of Narrows went home to be with his Savior on Saturday, March 4th, 2006 at Carilion Giles Memorial Hospital in Pearisburg. Born at Elgood, West Virginia on May 5th, 1928, he was the son of the late Charles Gillespie Blankenship and Fairy Daisy Meadows Blankenship. In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by eight brothers and five sisters.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was employed by Iron Workers Local #79, working in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. He will be remembered most for his love and dedication to his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Janice Blankenship of Narrows; three daughters, Pamela Allard of Norfolk, Paula Taylor of Narrows, Penny Van Schoyck and husband Terry of Narrows; one stepson, Danny Lee Clemons of Glen Lyn; two brothers, Leland Blankenship of Glen Lyn and Kermit Blankenship of Narrows; two sisters, Inez Rumley and Zella Blankenship, both of Spartanburg, South Carolina; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, March 8th, 2006 at 2 PM at Fairview Cemetery in Narrows with Pastor Tony Reed officiating. The family will receive friends at Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows Tuesday from 6-8 PM. The family requests that those sending memorial contributions, please consider the Giles County Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society. Online condolence messages can be sent to the family at www.riffes.com.