Harold Blankenship

Harold Blankenship, 77, of Stopover, Kentucky, departed this life on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Pikeville Medical Center, following a long illness. Harold was born on March 2, 1942 in Pike County, Kentucky to his late parents, Lloyd and Millie Hurley Blankenship.

Harold was a retired coal miner from Kentucky Carbon Corporation, and he was a member of the UMWA.  He was an avid horseman and loved trail rides and horse shows.  Harold enjoyed spending his time trading and was especially fond of trading guns and knives.  You could often hear Harold saying, “have you been doing any trading?” He also loved to visit flea markets and yard sales and was always looking for the next rare find or good deal.  In addition, Harold loved to engage in politics and campaigning.  He was a friend to everyone and could always be counted on for help at any time.  Earlier this year, Harold made a profession of faith by accepting Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

Those left to honor his memory include one daughter, Cheryl (Terry) Ward of Murfreesboro, TN, and four sons: David Blankenship of Lake Wales, FL, Randy Blankenship of Lexington, KY, Nathan Mounts of Madisonville, KY and Brent (Angie) Blankenship of Pikeville, KY.  He is also survived by two sisters: Stella Justice and Rosalee Sawyer, both of Pikeville, KY, and eight grandchildren: Scott Ward, Alex Ward, John David Blankenship, Jeremy Blankenship, Jamie Blankenship, Ariel Mounts, Hannah Blankenship and Luke Blankenship.  He is also survived by several great-grandchildren.  He had two dear caretakers as well, Patty Charles and Judy Hurley.  A person is very fortunate to be blessed with a wonderful family but to also be blessed with special friends is rare.  Harold had both.  His friends were considered part of his family.  They were a crucial part of his life and they assisted him in any way possible whether it was bringing him food, taking him to doctor’s appointments or just providing company to him.  They were always there.

Services honoring the life of Harold will be conducted on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Jones & West Funeral Home of Phelps, KY with Reverend Odis Blankenship officiating.

Burial will follow in the Davidson Memorial Gardens of Ivel, KY with John David Blankenship, Dusty Coleman, William Ray, Johnny Robinette and Phil Stalnaker serving as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers include Ralph Cline, Randall Dotson (Bozo), Lacey Ferrell, Clinton Lee, Sammy New and Donald Young.

The family will begin receiving friends on Monday, November 18, 2019 at the funeral home at 6:00 p.m.

Harold was a huge supporter of Christ Central School so in his honor, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ Central School (630 Adams Rd., Pikeville, KY, 606-432-9565).

Arrangements are under the direction of the Jones & West Funeral Home of Phelps, KY.  The guestbook may be signed at www.joneswestfh.com. 

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