Thomas Hardy Blankenship

Thomas Hardy (Tom) Blankenship, 67, of Salem, Va., passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2008. He was retired from Grandin Road Texaco. He was a member of the Hollins and Salem Moose Lodge. He had a great love of auctions. He was predeceased by his parents, Edgar and Ruth Blankenship. Survivors include his wife of 13 years, Margaret Blankenship; stepsons, Bruce Kelly and wife, Sharon, Brian Kelly and wife, Amy, Barry Kelly and Brad Kelly and wife, Laura; stepdaughter, Regina Dudley and husband, John (JB); 10 grandchildren; and four greatgrandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Ann Goad, Martha Edwards and husband, Marvin, both of Bedford, Elnor Blankenship, of College Park, Md., and Emma Vedder, of Florida; one brother, Sherman Blankenship, also of Bedford; and his nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a special family friend, Mary Granger, of Florida. The family would like to give a special thank you to Lorri HansonWiley and Dee Dee Basham for their care of Tommy. The family will receive friends at the Lotz Funeral Home in Salem on Tuesday, December 9, 2008, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be a graveside service 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2008, at Sherwood Memorial Park. Officiating the service will be the Rev. Todd Triplett. In honor of Tommy the family requests that everyone dress casually.