Blankenship, Jerry Wayne

Jerry Wayne Blankenship, better known as “Meatball”, 63, of the No Business community of Bland, VA, passed away Monday, July 10, 2017 at his home. He was born December 20, 1953, the son of the late Edison Lee & Florence Nelson Blankenship.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and especially enjoyed shrimping. He was a wheeler and dealer and considered a jack of all trades, but a master of none. He was a carpenter by trade and could fix anything. He enjoyed collecting things and found value in everything he found. Rejected by some, yet loved by most, he was a presence in the community and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Leonard Blankenship and a sister Debra Wolfe.

Left to cherish his memory are his son & daughter in law, Sammy & Dianna Blankenship; his daughters & sons-in-law, April & Bob Hylton and Keri & Tyrone Hackley; his grandchildren, which were his pride and joy, Trevor “Pine Knot” Gusler and Winter “Punkin Seed” Blankenship. He believed the sun rose and set because of his treasured grandchildren; his trusty shadow, “Smuckers”; his brothers & sisters-in-law, Danny & Bonnie Blankenship, Bucky & Pam Blankenship, Keith Blankenship and Brenda Blankenship; his twin sister, Mary Stanley; his best friend and Air Force partner in Thailand, Cliff “Airplane” Clement; a special cousin & family, Stanford & Connie Wright and family; several nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Per his wishes, “Meatball” will be cremated and there will be no services conducted.

The Blankenship family is in the care of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.