Blankenship, James Edward
James Edward (Tad) Blankenship, 78, of Narrows, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 30, 2011 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family. A lifelong resident of Giles County, he was born on September 17, 1933 and was the son of the late Clarence William and Amy Willie Davis Blankenship. In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lucille B. Wood.
Tad was one of the most exceptional builders and carpenters in Southwest Virginia, having constructed many of the finest homes in the region. He could not only build a home, but could furnish it with beautifully hand-crafted wood furniture. Tad was also an avid hunter and fisherman. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he especially delighted in playing with children and pets. Tad will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Naomi McKinney Blankenship; a son, Richard Blankenship of Narrows; a daughter and her husband, Alleta and Paul Morrison of Rich Creek; four grandchildren, Luci Munsey and husband Jim, Matthew Blankenship, Jacqueline Morrison and Benjamin Morrison; four great-grandchildren, Desiree Munsey, Gage Munsey, Amanda Munsey, and Lily Blankenship; brothers and sisters, Lois Martin and husband Everette, Pete Blankenship and wife Phyllis, Franklin Blankenship, Paul Blankenship and Mary, and David Blankenship and wife Freda; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Cornerstone Pentecostal Church in Narrows with Rev. John Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow in Angels Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Cornerstone Pentecostal Holiness Church Monday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The family requests that those sending memorial contributions, please consider the Giles County Relay For Life to benefit the American Cancer Society.
The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.