Arthur Eugene Blankenship, 93, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2023.

He was born on October 25, 1929, in Vinton, Va., to Willy and Florence Blankenship. Arthur was preceded in death by his parents and 10 siblings.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Nelva Long Blankenship; children, Danny (Debby), Penny (Roger), Karen (Wayne), and Mark (Whitney); 12 grandkids; 26 great-grandkids; two great-great-grandkids and two more on the way; sister, Mary St.Clair; and brother, Norman Blankenship “Frog.”

Arthur graduated from William Byrd High School and worked in purchasing for General Electric for 33 years. After retiring from GE, he worked for Walmart and Dixie Building Supply. He enjoyed umpiring softball, refereeing basketball, hunting, and gardening. He was an active member of Evangel Foursquare Church.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Evangel Foursquare Church with Pastor Tim Wright officiating. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 until 8 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2023, at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.Oakeys.com.

Arrangements by Oakey’s Funeral Service – Vinton Chapel, Vinton, VA (540) 982-2221.