James Leslie Blankenship

James Leslie (Les) Blankenship, age 85 of Wirtz, went home to be with the Lord Monday, January 16, 2012. Les was born in Narrows, Virginia, January 31, 1926. He was preceded in death by Betty Caulfield Blankenship his wife of 54 years. He served in the United States Marine Corp. Fourth Division from 1944-47 serving his country in Iwo Jima, attaining the rank of Corporal. Les owned and operated B & F Company for 35 years constructing bridges in North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia. Many bridges in Franklin County have his signature, Gills Creek, Blackwater and Power Dam. He coached B & F Owls basketball team for the Franklin County Recreation Department for numerous years. Upon his retirement, Les & Betty made a second home in Myrtle Beach, S.C. where he spent much of his time on the golf courses, as long as his health permitted. Left to cherish his memory are two daughters, Dwan (Gary) Fulcher, Glade Hill, Beach (Jeff) Chewning, Wirtz; one son, Darrel Blankenship, Florida. Also surviving are six grandsons, Tim Underwood, Salem, Josh (Shanon) Underwood, Kennesaw, Ga., Ward (Cindy) Underwood, Elliston, Lewyn (Lindsey) Poage, Virginia Beach, Tyson Poage, Wilmington, NC, Travis (Nikki) Poage, Wilmington, NC; five great-granddaughters also survive, Kayla, Morgan, Reagan, Aylin, Marleigh Underwood, Emmaleigh Poage. Cherished are special friends Evelyn Cundiff and Frances Nickell. The family would like to thank Franklin Health and Rehab Center for the care given their Dad in his final days. Funeral services will be conducted at Flora Funeral Chapel 11 a.m. Thursday, January 19, 2012 with Pastor Justin Likens presiding. His family will receive friends 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Westlake Baptist Church Family Life Center (c/o Evelyn Cundiff, 310 Key Lakewood Drive, Moneta, VA 24121) in his memory.