Obituary of Brian Keith Blankenship

Brian Keith Blankenship

Of Man, WV

   Brian Keith Blankenship, 54, of Man passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2019 at his residence. 

   Born on May 12, 1965 in Detroit, Michigan, Brian was the son of Shirley Blankenship of Amherstdale and the late Roy Blankenship. 

   He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Carl and Daisy Baisden; his paternal grandparents, Rufus and Lydia Blankenship; his son, Eric Goodman; and two nephews, Kenneth Greene II and Henry Ramsey.

   Brian was a 1983 graduate of Man High School where he played football and baseball.

   He worked various jobs, including as a cook at Druther’s, a dispatcher in the mines, and a route salesman for Coca-Cola, before he attended Charleston School of Beauty Culture where he learned his true calling. Brian became a master at cutting hair and since the 1990’s has been known as the “Hillbilly Barber” in Man.  Brian had many clients that not only admired his fresh cuts and styles, but had several “regulars” who came to the barber shop daily just to hear his wildly entertaining stories and hilarious jokes.  Brian will always be remembered for having a kind soul and vivacious personality.  

   Following his grandfather’s passion, as a child Brian became a devoted fisherman and hunter. He was an avid sports fan his entire life and dearly loved the Man Hillbillies, Cincinnati Reds, and Detroit Lions.  Every spring, he became elated about March Madness and often times created brackets for competition. Brian also coached many area youth in T-ball. Another of his favorite pastimes was engaging in Texas Hold’em Tournaments with his friends. All who think of Brian in the future will forever have wonderful memories and stories to tell.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving mother, Shirley Ann Blankenship of Amherstdale; two beautiful daughters whom he cherished with his whole heart, Whitney (Parish) Harvey of Davin and Tiffany (Jacob Robinette) Blankenship of Chapmanville; three loyal sisters, Tina (Christian) Petzer of Mechanicsville, VA,  Drema (Timothy) Franklin and Karen Ramsey both of Kistler; nine precious grandchildren, Preston Rorrer, Brooks Riggins, and Caleb and Aubrey Robinette,  all of Chapmanville, Haleigh, Gavin, Kendall, Kenzi, and Kruz Harvey of Davin; one adorable great-grandson, Lincoln Brown; six caring uncles, Omer (Sharon) Blankenship of Justice, Ray (Carolyn) Blankenship, Jerry Blankenship, and Jackie (Delina Jo) Blankenship, all of Baisden, Glen (Carolyn) Blankenship of Nitro, and Johnny (Annetta) Blankenship of Justice; one thoughtful aunt, Ida Mae (David) Burgess of Teays Valley; a special friend whom he loved like a sister, Carolyn Kitchen Lowe, his best buddy who brought him coffee every day, Billy Jack Greene; and a host of other relatives and friends.

   Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday at Krantz McNeely Funeral Home at Man.

   Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at the funeral home with the Rev. Van Collins officiating.

   Brian will lovingly be laid to rest close to his father at Highland Memory Gardens at Godby.

   Pallbearers will be Curtis Hunter, Matt Hensley, Keith Gamble, James Blankenship, Brandon Franklin, and Ronald Ramsey.

   Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Clark, Burley Berry, Frank Combs, Keith Miller, Greg Copley, Paul Reeves, Billy Merritt, Donald Bragg, Rocky Conley, and Keith Copley.

   The little ole’ Town of Man, WV will never be the same and Brian will be so terribly missed.

   Online condolences may be sent to www.krantzmcneelyfuneralhome.com

   Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at Man.