of Batesville, AR
November 18, 1955 - January 5, 2018
Allen Jay Blankenship, 62, of Batesville passed away on Friday, January 5, 2018.
He was born on November 18, 1955 in Batesville, Arkansas to R.J. and Melba (Rush) Blankenship.
We were all blessed to share our lives with the most amazing man, husband, father, and friend. We lost an absolute angel and heaven gained the best angel they could ever have. We are all beyond blessed and better people from the life of this wonderful man. He was the dad everyone hopes for and deserves. He never judged, and he always had open arms with shoulders to cry on or carry you through the hard times when you didn't think you could make it. He put everyone before himself, he gave when most think they have no more to give, and he saw people as children of God worthy of deep love and kindness. He was a man of his word. He didn't make unkept promises or say words without follow-up. He showed up for every single person that needed him despite what he had to go through to get there to help. He loved with all his heart and soul.
When your father goes in for an arthroscopic knee scope this is not something you brace for or plan for. We will miss him every day. He meant the absolute world to us and we will be forever grateful for our unforgettable memories and adventures.
He was the hardest worker, the most honest individual, lived with integrity, a religious man that always lived the Christian faith, and his family was always his top priority. He supported his children in every step and loved all unconditionally. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.
He is survived by his wife, Debra (Crotts) Blankenship; two sons, Chris Blankenship (Kimberly) of Batesville and Chad Blankenship (Sara) of Greenbrier; one daughter, Cynthia Blankenship of Little Rock; one grandchild, Sloane Blankenship; his mother, Melba Blankenship; and two sisters, Joy Frizzell (Jim) of Melbourne and Kristie Diaz and her children Keigan and Destiny of Katy, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his father; and brother, Hayden Blankenship.
Pallbearers are Mike Gillihan, Darrell Johnson, Collin Patterson, Tyler Koestner, Roger Gillihan, Bucksey Harmon, Tim Blankenship, Terry Weaver, and Dimmick Bymaster.
Honorary pallbearers will be Judy Frazier, Mary Bunch, Future Fuel friends, Compass Church, Melbourne classmates and friends, Belview Baptist Church, Ronald Cheatham, Debbie Lovelady, Ronnie Hampton, Wesley Gay, Tom Tackett, Connie Moser, Ricky Platt, Sue Blankenship, Stacy Gunderman, Thurman and Minnie Crotts, Vickey and Roger Gillihan, Jackie Murphy, Jessie Cargill, Tyler, Kayla and Alton Koestner, and all of his neighbors and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday at Belview Baptist Church in Melbourne under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home with Chad Graves and Jess Sumrell officiating. Burial will follow at Combs Cemetery in Melbourne.
Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Friday at Belview Baptist Church.
During the celebration of life on Saturday, we will have an open time for anyone to share their stories and experiences about our dad. We know our dad touched a lot of peoples lives and we would love to hear the difference our dad made in your lives.
May we all carry his memory forward. May we tell his stories, talk about him all you can, remember what he did for everyone, and may we all work harder to love deeper and unconditionally as he did. May we all live a life as worthy as him and may we carry his love onward in everything we do.
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18 Condolence(s)
Robert Allen
Thursday, May 31, 2018
A wonderful family friend and neighbor.I am so sorry for your lost. A great man
Rick Miller
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
I was so honored to know such a fine man. He was a great high school friend.
Candi Martin
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Debbie,
Me deepest and heartfelt sympathies to you and your children.
Allen was a true and caring co-worker and friend. Not one time did I ever work with him or pass him in the hall that he did not ask me how I was or how each of my children (by name) were. He also loved his family deeply and I felt I knew each of you from the wonderful stories he would share.
God Bless You All,
Candi Martin
Will Carlile
Friday, January 12, 2018
To Chad and Family:
Chad, I worked just down the hall from your Dad for a number of years and I routinely heard all about you and the rest of your family. You and I having been in school together made you a common topic of conversation. I want you to know that your father was very proud of you as well as your brother and sister. He was a true family man, an honest man of great integrity, and a good friend to all those he worked around. He will be greatly missed. I want you and your family to know that you are and will stay in my thoughts and prayers during this time. I wish you the best and am so sorry for your loss.
Sam Dortch
Friday, January 12, 2018
Ms Debbie and Family
So sorry to hear the tragic news of Alan. Having worked with him so many years I know that his kind and loving nature will be greatly missed by many. Please know that I have had you and your family in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to uphold you in the future. May God bless you with peace, comfort, strength and love as you move forward in life.
David and Linda Magouyrk
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire family at this difficult time. May god's grade be with you at this time.
Chris Black
Thursday, January 11, 2018
To Debbie and Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Allen was great to work with over the many many years. We will all miss his YEEEE HAAA's he would shout from time to time in the hallway.
Jack Bissell
Thursday, January 11, 2018
So sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Allen for many years. He was truly one of the good guys. My prayers are with you.
Nancy Young
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Dear Debra and family. So sorry to hear of your loss! Praying for you as you go through this difficult time, that you will be surrounded by friends and family and that you will feel God's presence every day. Also that you will have many beautiful memories of Allen to pass on to future generations.
Tim Harvell
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Remember Allen as a great man.
Barbara Swanson
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Dear Debra and Cynthia, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I will be praying for you in the days and weeks and months to come. I only met Allen once, while you two were in Hidden Treasures and he sat out front on that beautiful sunny fall day. He had such a friendly smile. I wish I could take away some of your pain, but I know that only time will help that...and prayers.
Love you both, Barbara Swanson
Julie Bowman
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Praying for your family.
Julie LaRose
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
I knew Mr. Blankenship for many years. The one thing that sticks out most in my mind is how much he loved his family. I can’t remember a softball or basketball game his daughter played in that he didn’t attend (and we played a lot of them!). I always had utmost respect for Mr. Blankenship as a man of honesty, integrity, and a man who walked with the Lord. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Cynthia, Debra, Chad, Chris and the rest of his family and friends. May God grant you peace.
Alan Vickery
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
In our thoughts and prayers
Phyllis, Alan, Paige, & Andrew Vickery
Aulanda Wilson McFarland
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
First I want to say I'm very sorry for you loss. I know how difficult this must be for all of you, his family. My thoughts and prayers at this time.
I knew Allen from high school as he and my brother were classmates. He also was a groomsman at my wedding in 1976. I will always remember the smile he always had and his kind and humble spirit. He's love for his family has been very apparent over the years. He was a good man. He will be greatly missed by many.
barbara Byler Wilson
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
my heart goes out to the Blankenship family, in their time of loss. love ya'll
Gayland and Mary Ann Ivie
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Dear family, we've been praying for you all since we heard the news. The passing of Allen breaks our hearts and yet we know God had a better plan for him. So thankful for Allen walking and talking and living out his faith in Jesus. He was here on a mission to show everyone he met the love and grace that God has for everyone. Thanks to all of you for helping Allen full fill the purpose God had for him. Blessings, peace and comfort to all of you in the days, months and years to come.
Paula Roddy
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Sorry for your loss. With sincere sympathy. Paula and Vernon Roddy