He graduated from Florida Beacon Bible College. Ralph served our country in the United States Air Force and Army during the Vietnam War, serving in the 173rd Airborne Division. He was a retired construction worker and minister having worked with the youth and served as pastor of the Open Bible Church in Orlando, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Katherine Blankenship; brother, David Blankenship.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 52 years, Helen Brown Blankenship; children, Vicki Nagi (Mike), Dana Eikel (Michael) and R. Spencer Blankenship, II (Sarah); grandchildren, Megan Nagi, Brittney, David (Kelsey), and Jeremiah Eikel, Cory Rose, and Isaac Blankenship; great granddaughter, Scarlett Eikel; sister, Billie Jean Oakes-Watkins; brother, Daniel Blankenship (Theresa); sister-in-law, Lynda Nine Blankenship; many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 pm on Saturday, November 21, and 12 (noon) to 2 pm on Sunday at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 2 pm on Sunday at the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ralph’s name to the Vietnam’s Veterans Association.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
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