RICHIE DARRNELL BLANKENSHIP, 47 years of age of the Prater Section of Vansant, VA, passed away Monday, July 26, 2010. Born in Buchanan County, he was the son of Buford and Vivian A. Viers Blankenship, Vansant, VA. He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County and was of the Primitive Baptist Faith. Richie was a 1981 Graduate of Grundy High School and a member of the Virginia Sheriff’s Association since 1984. He was a former member of the IOOF #17 of Grundy, VA, a former Deputy Sheriff for Buchanan County and was a Correctional Officer for the SWVA Regional Jail Authority, Haysi, VA.

Mr. Blankenship is survived by his wife, Marsha Lynn Cantrell Blankenship, Vansant, VA, His parents: Buford and Vivian A. Viers Blankenship, Vansant, VA, 1-Daughter: Serena Lynn Blankenship, Vansant, VA, 2-Sisters: Joanette and husband Gary Rasnake, Palmyra, VA, Deborah and husband Jeffery Hodges, Pilgrim Knob, VA, 1-Brother: Steve and wife Connie Blankenship, Vansant, VA

Also, survived by 16-Nieces and Nephews.

He was preceded in death by 1-Sister, Valery Shelia Blankenship.

Funeral Services for RICHIE DARRNELL BLANKENSHIP will be conducted Friday, July 30, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Ministers: Buford Stacy, Jeffery Arnold and Kent Viers officiating with burial to follow in Charlie Blankenship Cemetery on Lovers Gap near Vansant, VA.

Friends may call at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Thursday evening at 6:00 P.M. with services at 7:00 P.M.

Active Pallbearers will be Nephews.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Co-Workers of the SWVA Regional Jail and Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department.  

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grundyfuneralhome.com

Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements.