Larry Douglas Blankenship, 71, of Upper Tract, West Virginia went to be with his Lord on Thursday, February 17, 2022 surrounded by his family at UPMC in Cumberland, Maryland.

He was born June 21, 1950 in Williamson, West Virginia, the son of Alice Black Blankenship Millan of Rockville, Maryland and the late Leonard Blankenship.

Larry graduated from Franklin High School in 1968, and he pursued additional education at Potomac State College in Keyser.

He worked as a carpenter and was known as a jack-of-all-trades, as he could fix almost anything, and loved working on and building things.  He also loved gardening, working in his shop and studying the word of God.  Larry was a member of Bethel Church in Landis, where he was a Deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years, and was presently attending Christ Central Community Church in Upper Tract.

On September 29, 1972, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Loretta Waggy Blankenship, who survives.

They were blessed with a son, whom Larry adored, Aaron Douglas Blankenship (fianceé, Tracey) of Clermont, FL.

He is also survived by –

A brother –

Micheal Blankenship (Nancy) of Franklin, West Virginia

Sisters-in-law –

Linda Scott (Steve) of Sarasota, Florida

Anita Hartman (Hugh) of Franklin

Brothers-in-law –

J.T. Waggy (Jennifer) of Huntington, West Virginia

Fred Schaner of Maryland

And nephews –

Jason Scott (Jordan), Adam Hartman (Amanda), Thomas Waggy (Madison), Mick Blankenship (Teresa), Nevin Blankenship (Vicki) and Andrew Schaner

Preceding him in death in addition to his father was a sister, Patricia Blankenship.

Larry leaves a legacy of a strong work ethic.  He was a man of integrity, strength, courage, love and strong faith in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Saviour.  He was humble, gentle in nature, quick-witted, had a wonderful sense of humor, and was an inspiration to all who knew him.  He will be greatly missed.

"He fought a good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith."  2 Timothy 4:7.

The family will commemorate Larry's life with a private graveside service at Kline Cemetery with Pastor Sam Harper officiating.

Friends may pay their respects at any time on Tuesday, February 22 from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM at Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin.  The casket will remain closed.

Memorials may be made to Christians United for Israel, P. O. Box 1307, San Antonio, TX  78295; Samaritan's Purse, P. O. Box 3000, Boone, NC  28607, or to a charity of the donor's choice.