Harold Gene “Buddy” Blankenship

Harold Gene Blankenship, better known as “Buddy”, of Yorktown, VA age 83 passed away in his sleep on December 13, 2023. He was born to Stella Clark Blankenship and Hardy Elmore Blankenship on August 6, 1940, in Spring Creek, NC.
Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Stella and Hardy; by his sister Christine Jones(Virgil); and by his brother Doug Blankenship. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Rebecca Morris Blankenship, and children Kenneth Blankenship (Brandy) of Suffolk, VA and Cheryl Blankenship of Rodanthe, NC, 4 grandchildren, Ryan Blankenship(Faith), Jake Blankenship(Peyton), Drew Blankenship and Lucas Blankenship, 2 great-grandchildren Isabella Blankenship, Noah Blankenship, with many nieces and nephews; his sisters Betty Bowlin (Bruce) and Glenna Timberlake (Bob).
His favorite thing to do was make people laugh. He was a loving father and devoted husband as well as a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church in Yorktown, VA.
He grew up in Amelia County, Va. In his high school years, he developed a passion for golf and was an avid player for most of his adult life. After attending Amelia High School, he started his career at Evertt Waddey Printing Company in Richmond Va starting in the shipping dept advancing through production and into sales. He was a Ruritan club member. In 1978 he moved his family to Va Beach where he purchased Hufton Printing in Norfolk, Va. He later transformed it into Best Printing of Tidewater and spent his years working with his son, playing golf, country western dancing, sailing, and enjoying his children and grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Bethel Baptist Church, 1004 Yorktown Rd, Yorktown, VA 23693. Visitation will start at 1 pm with the service starting at 2 pm.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Riverside (Hospice) Foundation 701 Town Center Drive, Suite 1000 Newport News, VA 23606.