Donald Ray Blankenship

Donald Ray Blankenship, 93, of Sanford, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 6, 1932, in Mohawk, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Matthew and Frankie Jane Blankenship.

After high school, Donald honorably served his country in the United States Air Force for 20 years and was a proud Vietnam veteran. Following his military retirement, he continued his service to others as a medical administrator at the VA hospital, where he worked faithfully for 27 years.

A man of deep faith, Donald served the Lord throughout his life and was a devoted member of Northwood Temple since 1975, where he served as an usher for several years. As a pastor’s child, he grew up in the church, and it was there that he met the love of his life, Mary. They married in 1953 and shared a loving marriage until her passing in 2001.

Outside of his work and church, Donald cherished time with his family. He loved traveling, whether taking trips to Atlantic Beach or exploring destinations around the world. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed cheering on the Dallas Cowboys and the UNC Tar Heels. He was also an active member of the Fayetteville Exchange Club, where he served as treasurer for several years. Known for his strong work ethic, he enjoyed staying busy and engaged in his community.

Donald will be remembered most for his warm smile and kind spirit. He never met a stranger and could easily start a conversation with anyone. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, affectionately known as “Pops.”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Richard Lane Blankenship.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Donald Blankenship Jr.; daughters, Sharon Rose Christian, Dawn Michelle Blankenship, and Rebecca Lynn Bruntmyer; grandchildren, Shane Christian, Dustin Christian, Richard Lane Horner, Donald Ray Blankenship III, Jeremy Lane Blankenship, Jennifer Ryan Schwitzgebel, Heather Mechelle Ratliff, Sarah Marie Thomas, Desiree Maureen Thomas, Mary Elizabeth Thomas, Dylan Doss, Chelsea Raine Doss, and Cole Bruntmyer; and great-grandchildren, Shanya, Matthew, Emily, Savannah, Jeremiah, Isabella, Amelia, Judah, Gideon, Aurelian, Fennec, Jeremy Jr.,Adalyn, Merrick, Sloane, Reylin, Freya, Killian, Tyler, Elliot, Reagan, and Noah.

Flowers are welcome, and memorial donations may also be made in Donald’s name to the DAV: Disabled American Veterans. https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Northwood Temple. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home. Mr. Blankenship will be laid to rest at Lafayette Memorial Park with full military honors following the service.

Online condolences may be left at www.jerniganwarren.com

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, NC 28301

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