Richard Wayne Blankenship, 73, of Warm Springs, Virginia, passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 18, 2017.

He was born January 22, 1944 at Hot Springs Community House, a son of Thaddeus Earl and Irene Lillian (Vest) Blankenship.

On May 30, 1969 he married Mary Susan (Pritt) Blankenship.

At age 50, Mr. Blankenship retired from Dominion Resources after 30 years of service and began farming full time and continued with his band "The Valley Hay Riders," both of which were his love in life.

He was a member of the Healing Springs Baptist Church and served in the United States Air Force.

Richard was a charter member of the Bath County Committee for Emergencies, life member of the NRA, member of the American Legion, Millboro Masonic Lodge, Clifton Forge Shrine Club, Royal Arch Commandery #23, as well as the Kazim Shrine of Roanoke. He also served on the board of directors of the Highland Farm Bureau and was treasurer of the former Hot Springs Shrine Club for 12 years.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Bertha Hise.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Susan; sister and brother-in-law, Dreama and Richard "Buddy" Mines of Macon, Ga.; brother-in-law, Howard Hise of Warm Springs; a niece, Angela Plunkett of LaGuna Hills, Ca.; two nephews, Richard Mines Jr. of Macon, Ga., and Barry Mines of Panama City, Florida.

Upon his request, Mr. Blankenship will be cremated. In the spring when the leaves are coming on, and the wild flowers start, a celebration of Richard's life will be held at Whip-Poor-Will Hollow Farm with fellowship, food and music. His ashes will be spread on the farm he loved so much.

In memory of Richard, memorial contributions may be made to the Bath County Emergency Committee, P. O. Box 22, Warm Springs, Va. 24484 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607.