Richard Wilson Blakenship, 68, passed away on Monday, August 21, 2023, at Diversicare of Tupelo. He was born November 19, 1954, in Tupelo, to Charlie and Nellie Jean Garrett Blankenship. He farmed for over fifteen years on River Road with the Grahams. He then worked at the Itawamba County Sanitation Department, before becoming disabled. He was an avid fisherman and hunter.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 25, at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Mantachie with Bro. Vent Sellers and Bro. Clifton Whitt officiating. Burial will be in the Stephens Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Linda Blankenship; one daughter, Shanda Kilgo; one brother, Elvis Blankenship, all of Mantachie; four sisters, Geraldine Dykes (Billy) of Fulton, Oline Lee (Sonny) of Verona, Patricia Robinson (Mitchell) of Mantachie, and Cecelia Jones (Johnny) of Ripley; two grandchildren, Bubba Kilgo and Lisa Kilgo; a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members.

He was preceded in death by one son, Joey Blankenship; one daughter, Jennifer Blankenship; one brother, Robert Lee Blankenship; and his parents.

Pallbearers will be Marcus Newsom, Dawson Newsom, Bubba Kilgo, Bill Smith, Johnathon Mears, and Carson Newsom.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jacob Blankenship, Mark Langley, and Camron Newsom.

Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00-8:00 p.m., and Friday from 9:00 a.m. until service time at McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Mantachie.