Abe Blankenship

Abe Blankenship, age 76, of Cedar Bluff, VA, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at his home.

Abe was born on July 15, 1949, in Buchanan County, VA, and was the son of the late Burl and Gracie Jones Blankenship. He was a retired assistant foreman for Norfolk and Southern, where he worked for 32 years. Abe loved to hunt, fish, and enjoyed gardening. He was a member of the Central Church of Christ of Baptist Valley and lived most of his life in the area. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Shirley Blankenship, Franklin Blankenship; stepbrother, Charlie Blankenship; sisters, Arbutus McClanahan, Lois Blankenship, and Ida Mae Lawson; and three stepsisters, Yuvon Roberts, Inis Blankenship, and Virginia Howell.

He is survived by:

His Wife of 50 years, Margaret McCoy Blankenship

Daughter, Melissa Mae Wade and husband, David of Richlands, VA

Son, Michael Shannon Blankenship of Riner, VA

Grandchildren:

Matthew Alexander Wade, Addison G. Blankenship, Aiden Carter Blankenship

Sisters:

June Collins and husband, Ray of Grundy, VA

Phyllis Justus and husband, Junior of Grundy, VA

Brothers:

Burton Blankenship and wife, Karen of Paynesville, WV

Lawrence Blankenship and wife, Susan of Grundy, VA

Funeral services for Abe Blankenship will be conducted at 1:00 on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, VA with Rev. Hobart Kennedy and Brian Mullins officiating. Interment will follow at the Blankenship Family Cemetery on Earls Branch in Cedar Bluff, VA. Pallbearers will be Michael Blankenship, Chris Bakere, David Cole, Aiden Blankenship, Matthew Wade and Ray Johnson. The family will receive friends from 12-1 pm on Friday afternoon at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tazewell County Animal Shelter; 736 Camp Joy Rd; Bluefield, VA 24605. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements, and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com