Robert Rash Blankenship

Robert Rash Blankenship, Bob, to his friends, began his-life journey as the son of Mae Rash Blankenship and Killian (Doc) Blankenship in the lovely city of Statesville, North Carolina in 1934.

He attended Statesville High School, where he was Quarterback of the Varsity football team and was voted "Handsomest Boy" in the Class of 1952.

He had many adventures with his life- long friends with names like Gibby and Dorman who passed away before him.

Bob graduated from Wake Forest University in 1956. He was an officer of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and was a lifelong supporter of Demon Deacons sports.

He served as an officer in the US Army during the Korean War era and joined the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. In 1971 Bob was transferred to the Home Office in Akron, OH. While in Ohio, he met and married Lynda, his beloved wife of 49 years. After Bob's retirement, the couple spent 2 years in Baltimore. MD where his wife was a United States Vista Volunteer. While in Baltimore, Bob used his lifelong love of ecology as a volunteer city forester where he helped plant hundreds of trees and received an award for his contributions. Bob's retirement also included traveling with his wife to France, Spain, Morocco, England, Wales and Scotland his favorite trip where Bob played golf at St. Andrew's.

Bob contributed locally in Massillon, OH where his almost 50 years as a resident included volunteering at The Wilderness Center in Wilmont, OH and at the Lion's Lincoln Theatre, helping his wife Lynda and the Lions Club. Bob's many friends called him the kindest of men, a gracious host and the best of Southern Gentlemen. He never made an enemy. He was a modest man, who would never talk about his accomplishments. Bob was an avid golfer and a supporter of Massillon Tiger sports and Ohio State.

At the age of 91 he began to slow down. He passed away at home, in his bed, in the arms of his wife, holding her hand.

He will be remembered and mourned by his survivors and friends. including wife Lynda Smith Blankenship, daughter Emily Blankenship, stepdaughters Melissa Starks-Mitchell and Amy Starks, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. The family will follow Celtic burial rights and hold a Wake and a celebration of Bob's life at a later date. Bob Blankenship was a good man who will be missed by all who knew him.

"A little while, a moment of rest upon the wind and another woman will bear him." The Prophet”

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