Earl “JR” Blankenship, 74, of Huntington, WV, died Friday August 15, 2014 at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House. Funeral service will be conducted 2:00 PM Tuesday August 19, 2014 at Chapman’s Mortuary Huntington with Dr. David B. Lemming officiating. Burial will be in Woodmere Memorial Park. JR was born March 8, 1940 in Wayne County, WV, a son of the late Earl & Theldia Crabtree Blankenship. He was retired from INCO Alloys and then was an Independent Construction Contractor. JR served on the Cabell County Board of Education for 10 years and on the Cabell County Commission for 6 years. He was a member of the IOOF Huntington Lodge #64 and the USW Local Chapter 23-4. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Arnold Blankenship. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Joyce Plybon Blankenship, two sons, Rob Blankenship & Jeff Blankenship (Cathy) of South Point, OH, 5 grandchildren, Lauren Werthammer (Nick) of Huntington, Whitney Blankenship of Caen, France, Katie Blankenship of Huntington, Elizabeth Blankenship of Amissville, VA, & Alex Blankenship of Magnolia, DE, 2 great grandchildren, Kyleigh Blankenship of VA & Lilly Kate Werthammer of Huntington, 1 brother Ray Blankenship (Betty) of Huntington, and special friends, Glen & Bernice Dent of Huntington. Pallbearers will be Scott Blankenship, Jay & Christopher Hatcher, Roger Johnson, Darren Cunningham & Rick Hoosier. Friends may call at Chapman’s Mortuary from 6:00 until 9:00 PM Monday August 18, 2014.