Russie Blankenship age 76 of Galax, Virginia passed away Tuesday July 26, 2022 at his home.

Russie was born in Panther, West Virginia on May 25, 1946 to Elias and Patty Allen Blankenship. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson Jesse Lee Blankenship, Jr.; siblings Lorine Johnson; Florine Blankenship; Hershel Blankenship; Hassell Blankenship; Ersel Blankenship and Tussell Blankenship.

He is survived by his wife Betty Blankenship; son Jesse Lee Blankenship, Sr.; sister Corine Blankenship Goad all of Galax, Virginia; twenty-two grandchildren; thirty-three great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; step-children James Johnson; Garland Johnson; Charlie Johnson; Betty Haggerman and Arvil Johnson.

A graveside service will be held Friday at 1:00 PM in the Cranberry Christian Church Cemetery with Pastor Charles Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM at the Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Garland Johnson and Corine Goad for the love and care they gave to Russie.