Mr. Hassel Arthur "Poppaw" Blankenship

Mr. Hassel Arthur Blankenship, age 91, of Cedar Bluff, Virginia, passed away Thursday, October 31, 2013 at the home of his daughter, Phyllis Mitchell in Pounding Mill, Virginia. He was born in Paynesville, West Virginia and was the son of the late General and Rachel Lester Parker Blankenship. He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a friend to all. He was a faithful member and Deacon of the Bandy Chapel Church. He enjoyed playing the harmonica at church every Sunday. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nannie May Barnes Blankenship; sons, Arthur Hassel Blankenship, Jr. and James Fred Blankenship; brothers, Charlie Parker, Luther Blankenship, and Haze Blankenship; sisters, Lou Church Matney, Dolly Harrison, Laura Mullins, Stella Lester Martin; Grandparents, Elder C.A. Lester and Jane Barker Lester and Raleigh Blankenship and Rebecca Boney Blankenship; and several half brothers and sisters. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Survivors Are: Daughter: Phyllis Mitchell and husband, Randal of Claypool Hill, Virginia Daughter in Law: Mary Lynn Blankenship of Swords Creek, Virginia Grandchildren: Jamey Blankenship and fiancé, Michele Martin of Asheville, NC; Todd Blankenship and wife, Jessica of Johnson City, TN; Shawn Mitchell and wife, Ashley of Broadlands, VA; and Bryan Mitchell of Claypool Hill, Virginia. Great Grandchildren: Evan Blankenship, Ava Blankenship, Bella Mitchell, and Olive Mitchell Funeral services for Hassel A. Blankenship will be conducted Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 11:00am at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, Virginia with the Rev. Barry Jessee and Rev. Walter Jessee officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Virginia. Pallbearers will be: Eddie Jessee, Woody Grindstaff, Alan Honaker, Walton Honaker, Tim Jessee, Dave Curry, Jim Steele, and Doug Steele. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Ron Moore, Fred Deel, Randy Matney, Bill Shook, Larry Meadows, Leo Barnett, Baylor Guy, George Barnett, and Jerry Settle. Friends may call after 6:00pm Saturday evening at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bandy Chapel Church, c/o Deloris Grindstaff, 2796 Bandy Road, Cedar Bluff, Virginia 24609. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.

Mr. Hassel Arthur "Poppaw" Blankenship

March 7, 1922 - October 31, 2013