Bobby Harold Blankenship

Of Melbourne, Arkansas

Bobby Harold Blankenship, son of the late Ardee Williford Blankenship and Hazel McCurley Blankenship, was born December 28, 1951 in Bandmill, Arkansas.  He departed this life February 9, 2024 at his home in Melbourne, Arkansas at the age of 72 years, 1 month and 11 days.  He was a 1969 graduate of Melbourne High School.  He was united in marriage to Donna McCollum June 19, 1970 and together they raised three children.  Bob spent his life as a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, provider and friend.  He was employed by North Arkansas Electric for 17 years.  After leaving NAEC he worked construction for many years.  He was of the Baptist faith and attended Belview Baptist Church.

Bob is survived by one daughter:  Lesha Watson and husband Michael of Melbourne; two sons:  Brad Blankenship and wife Casey of Newport and Kevin Blankenship and wife Katelyn of Bartlett, Tennessee; one sister:  Pat Graham and husband Gary of Melbourne; seven grandchildren:  Abbey (Marcus) Orf, Andrew (Sara) Haley, Will Watson, Madyson Blankenship, McKenna Minor, Isabella Blankenship and Miles Blankenship; two great grandchildren:  Hudson and Hadley Orf and a host of other relatives and many good friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 52 years: Donna Blankenship and one nephew:  Danny Graham.

Visitation and funeral service will be Monday, February 12 at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.  Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m.   Funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Tim Porter officiating.  Burial will follow at Old Philadelphia Cemetery.

Pallbearers:  Marcus Orf, Toby Weatherford, Braden Tate, Andrew Haley, Will Watson, Mike Watson.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Ronnie Davis, Ike Caraway, Gary Graham, Bucksey Harmon, Gary DeSalvo, Triton Tate.

Memorials may be made to:  Old Philadelphia Cemetery Maintenance Fund, C/O. Betty McCollum, P.O. Box 1264, Melbourne, Arkansas 72556.