Richard W. Blankenship Sr

December 5, 1929 - January 9, 2018 Richard Wiley Blankenship Sr., 88, of Statesville, was reunited in heaven with the love of his life, Peggy Blankenship on Tuesday, January 9, 2018. Richard was born on December 5, 1929 in Iredell County to the late William Glenn Blankenship and Jettie Viola Triplett. Richard served in the United States Army and was a Korean War Veteran. He was a retired business owner of Melson Enterprises in Troutman. He was also a member of the Statesville 0027 Masonic Lodge. In his spare time, he loved to go catfishing off his pier in Lake Norman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Peggy Deal Blankenship; sister, Imogene Stroud, and brothers, William G. Blankenship Jr, Grady Blankenship, and Floyd Blankenship. He is survived by a son, Richard "Rick" W. Blankenship Jr. and wife, Tammy of Statesville; daughter, Vicky Blankenship Zanon of Columbus, OH; grandchildren, Payton Blankenship, Brennen, Jaymie, and Richard Zanon, and Savannah (Caleb) Crotinger; sisters, Elva Holton and Bonnie Brown; foster brothers, James Lewis and Bobby Lewis, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Friday, January 12, 2018 at Troutman Funeral Home Chapel from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Jerry Blankenship officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service at Iredell Memorial Gardens with full military honors accorded by Iredell Veterans Council. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com. Troutman Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Richard Blankenship Sr.