BLUEFIELD, Va. — Kenneth Ray Blankenship Sr., 74, of Rosenbaum Road, Bluefield, Va. (Abb's Valley), passed away Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Va. Kenneth was born June 1, 1938 in Asco. He was the son of the late Cal Blankenship and Vonia Street Blankenship.

Kenneth was a member of the Baptist Church in Boissevain, Va., a member of the UMWA and worked in the coal mines for 29 years. He was a past member of the Odd Fellows Lodge in Boissevain, Va. and enjoyed fishing, working on cars and spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Hubert Blankenship and three sisters, Helen Aamodt, Rita Jenkins and Judy Hagy.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Anna Bell Blankenship of the home; sons, Dr. Kenneth Ray Blankenship Jr. and wife Vicky of Hereford, Ariz. and Kevin M. Blankenship of Hillsville, Va.; daughters, Teresa (Terri) Barringer and husband Jay of Bluefield, Va. and Tina Collins and husband Aaron of Rocky Mount, Va.; grandsons, Joshua Collins of Richmond, Va., Jacob Collins, serving in Afghanistan, and wife Erica of Peyton, Colo. and Joseph Collins of Norfolk, Va.; granddaughters, Samantha Blankenship of Tempe, Ariz., Nicole Blankenship of Cheyenne, Wyo. and great-grandson, Caleb James Collins of Peyton, Colo.; brother, Roy Blankenship of Bluefield, Va. Abb's Valley); and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Rodriguez Funeral Home in Pocahontas, Va. with the Rev. Reginald Blakewood officiating. Interment will follow at the Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, Va.

Friends may call Friday, August 24, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Rodriguez Funeral Home in Pocahontas.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.