A Celebration of Life Service was held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada for Mr. Johnny Ray Blankenship, 66, of Grenada, who died on Monday, Oct. 14, in Batesville. Inurnment followed in Woodlawn Memorial Park. The Rev. J. Barry Worrell officiated. The family received friends from noon until service time on Friday, Oct. 19, at McKibben and Guinn.
Johnny was born on Sept. 17, 1958, in Purcell, Okla., the son of the late Glen Curtis Blankenship and Melissia Ann Garner Anderson. He honorably served our country in the United States Navy aboard nuclear submarines for 20 years. Following his retirement as an Electronics Technician Chief Petty Officer from the Navy, Johnny worked as an electrical technician for Thompson Machinery since 2001.
While Johnny earned many accolades during his time in the Navy, the title he treasured most was “Dad.” Johnny immersed himself in everything his children were involved in and coached numerous teams through the years. He enjoyed co-coaching the Grenada Titans for seven years, winning five state championships and one World Series championship. A devoted Ole Miss fan, Johnny loved watching college football and also enjoyed watching a good soccer game. Johnny will long be remembered for his dedication to his country and love for his family.
In addition to his father, one son, Justin Murphree, and one brother, Mark Blankenship, preceded Johnny in death.
Survivors include, his wife, Salina Blankenship; mother, Ann Anderson of Choctaw, Okla.; daughter, Kate Blankenship of Grenada; two sons, Cory Murphree (Tiffany) and Mason Blankenship, all of Grenada; one brother, Robert Dryden (Kim) of Broken Arrow, Okla.; two grandchildren, Rylee Murphree and Beckham Blankenship; his mother-in-law, Carmie Kennedy of Grenada, and his faithful dog, Jersi Blankenship.
Honorary pallbearers were members of the Grenada Titans, which include Blake Morgan, Bailey Allbritton, Abbott Hankins, Cole Dungan, Laine Tribble, Evan Hobson, Rob Houston Bailey, Colton Lane, Culley Griffin, Webb Roberts, Peyton Estes, Grayson Dale and Lee Hodges Costilow.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
