Gary Carlton Blankenship

Gary Carlton Blankenship, 73, of Pineville passed away Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Bowers Hospice House following a sudden illness. Gary was born April 2, 1945 in Itmann, WV. He was a general laborer before entering the coal mines in 1968. He worked at various mines before starting at U.S. Steel #50, where he ended his mining career. He was an avid Union member even following retirement. His hobbies included sitting on his porch swing and listening to Joel Olsteen.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Elliott & Pansy Blankenship, a brother James Blankenship, sister-in-law Patricia Blankenship and son-in-law Christopher Hatfield.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 54 years, Loretta “Jo” Royal Blankenship, sons Joey Blankenship and wife Pam, Jeff Blankenship, daughter Jennifer Hatfield Walker and husband Jamie, grandchildren; Josh (Amber)Blankenship, Tashauna Blankenship & fiancé Roger Strong, Tyler Blankenship & fiancé Keely Hill, Allyson Hatfield & fiancé Travis McKinney, and Ethan Hatfield, great-grandchildren Addison and Kenlee, brothers Robert Blankenship and Ronald (Patricia) Blankenship, sister-in-law Judy Blankenship and a host of loving nieces, nephews, friends and family that will miss him dearly.

Funeral service will be held at Blue Ridge Funeral Home-Beckley on Friday, May 25, 2018 at 12PM. Visitation for family and friends will be two hours prior to service time at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com