Rodney Gail Blankenship, age 60, passed from this life to his eternal reward on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016, at his home in Groveport.
Rodney was born in Circleville to Dr. David and Goldie (Murphy) Blankenship and was the youngest of nine children.
Rodney was a faithful member of New Life Christian Center in Lancaster. He was the owner of Class A+ Driving School located in Lancaster and Circleville. Rodney was a favorite driving instructor amongst local students who enjoyed their time in his car, his many jokes and entertaining stories.
Rodney was a talented musician and singer. He sang for many years with various Southern Gospel groups and church praise teams.
Rodney and his family spent time in New Mexico ministering in music on the Navajo Reservation. He also enjoyed golfing and working in his yard, but most of all he treasured his time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Rodney is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda (Lewis) Blankenship; his children, Shawn (Mindy) Blankenship, Michelle (Michael) Kidwell and Barry (Ashley) Blankenship. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren who were the pride of his heart, Nathaniel, Peyton, Noelani, Prestley, Kyran, Asher, Huntley and his eighth grandbaby due to arrive this October. He is also survived by three sisters, Shirley Dean, Deany (Bert) Lester and Gloria (Ronald) Reynolds; and sisters-in-law, Janice Blankenship, Pam (Mark) Rentzel and Sharon (Steve) Gaston; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brothers and sisters, Helen Justice, Mary Steger, James Blankenship, Opal Stevenson and Walter Ray Blankenship.
Family will receive friends and loved ones from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, 2016, at New Life Christian Center, 2642 Columbus Lancaster Road in Lancaster. Service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016, at New Life with Pastor Gary Keller officiating. Interment at Harrison Township Cemetery in South Bloomfield. Flowers may be sent to the church address.
Arrangements made by Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, Ashville. Online condolences can be made at www.olivercheekfuneralhome.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
