David Bruce Blankenship

David Bruce "Nubby" Blankenship, 82, of Rutherfordton, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on July 9, 2025.
Born on July 18, 1942, in Rutherford County, NC, David was the son of the late Robert Louie Blankenship and Valoree Philbeck Blankenship. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, James Ronald Blankenship and Robert Louie Blankenship, Jr.
David is survived by his loving wife, Vickie Hoover Blankenship, of the home; his son, Kevin Blankenship and wife Leslie of Bostic, NC; his daughter, Tracie Hill of Myrtle Beach, SC; his sister Shirley Blankenship Fraley of Rutherfordton, NC ; four grandchildren, Morgan Hill, Trinity Washington, Ava Blankenship, and Ginger Blankenship; and one great-granddaughter, Bailey Davis.
A devoted member of Second Baptist Church in Rutherfordton, David was a man of faith and service. Affectionately known as "Nubby," David retired after 28 years of service with Timken. He had a passion for sports and dedicated over 30 years to umpiring middle school, high school, open league and church softball games across the area.
David was a die-hard North Carolina Tar Heels fan and also loved cheering on his Washington Redskins. Whether it was college basketball or NFL Sundays, he never missed a chance to support his teams.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Second Baptist Church in Rutherfordton, NC. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with burial immediately afterward at Southern Baptist Church in Ruth, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Second Baptist Church of Rutherfordton in memory of David.
He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, community, and the game he loved.
Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com. Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the family of David Blankenship.