of Melbourne, AR
March 18, 1931 - August 14, 2016
R. J. Dean Blankenship, 85, of Melbourne, died Sunday, August 14, 2016 at his home.
He was born in Knob Creek, Arkansas on March 18, 1931 to Commie and Elmar Earl (Haynes) Blankenship.
R. J. retired from the Arkansas Highway Department and was a cattle farmer. He loved raising cattle and he was never afraid of hard work. He loved hunting, horseback riding, and working on the farm. R. J. was involved with elections and served as a judge at Knob Creek. He also served as a Township Committeeman for the Athens Township and he was a member of the Belview Baptist Church in Melbourne. R. J. was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Melba Joy (Rush) Blankenship of Melbourne; son, Allen Blankenship and wife, Debra, of Batesville; daughters, Joy Frizzell and husband, Jim of Melbourne and Kristie Diaz and husband, Rayner, of Katy, Texas; five grandchildren, Christopher Blankenship, Cynthia Blankenship, Chad Blankenship, Keigan Cole, and Destiny Diaz. Other survivors include a sister, Shirley Weaver and husband, Vohn, of Melbourne.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Bennie Hayden Blankenship; three brothers, Thomas Blankenship, Roland ''Shorty'' Blankenship, Jack Blankenship; and two sisters, Eunice Sartin and Bethal Rush.
Pallbearers will be Tim Blankenship, Terry Weaver, Paul Cooper, Tony Watson, Sanders Lee Wyatt, and Chris Newsome. Honorary pallbearers are Wade Rush, Franklin ''Fuzzy'' Rush, Zelph Rush, Vohn Weaver and Lee Campbell Watson.
Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at Combs Cemetery in Melbourne with Bro. Doyne Robertson and Bro. Jess Sumrall officiating.
There will not be a public viewing.
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10 Condolence(s)
Jerry Cross
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Melba, Joy, Allen, Kristie and families, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always cherish the times we shared as neighbors growing up on Knob Creed rd, I will always remember R J's big smile and distinct southern drawl, and he was someone I looked up to growing up.
God bless all of you, and your families
Wayne Rush
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Zennie Pollard
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Joy, and Jim, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. Love, Zennie
Paula Roddy
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Joy and family. Sorry for your loss. Sincere sympathy. Paula and Vernon
Candice
Monday, August 15, 2016
My sincere sympathy for the loss of your father Kristie. Continued prayers for the whole family as you lay your dad to rest!!! May you find comfort in family and friends and know we all love you!
DD Traub
Monday, August 15, 2016
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mr.&Mrs. James Burkhart sr.
Monday, August 15, 2016
so sorry for your loss prayers for the family
Joann Gillihan
Monday, August 15, 2016
Prayers with you and your family.
David Helm
Monday, August 15, 2016
Sorry for Your Loss of R.J Blankenship
Sincerely Yours:
With Love
David Helm
& Steve & Connie Wheeler
Paula Roddy
Monday, August 15, 2016
Joy and family. Sorry for your loss. Sincere sympathy. Paula and Vernon