Melvin W. Blankenship, 64, of Salem passed away unexpectedly Monday evening, July 27, 2015. He was born on December 3, 1950 to the late Crockett and Dorothy Blankenship. Preceding him in death along with his parents, was his sister, Phyllis Reese. Surviving family left to cherish his memory includes his loving wife, Mary Blankenship; children, Missy Smith (Leon), Melvin Wayne Blankenship Jr. (Faith), Brian Blankenship (Amber Gee), Sara Campbell and Eric Looney; grandchildren, Christopher, Chloeye, Elisia, Alaney, Logan, Emily, Brian Jr. (Little Buck), Cassie, Penelope Louise, Nathan, Natalie, and Holly; two great-grandchildren; brother and his beloved baby boy, Lucky. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Lewis-Gale Medical Center, including Dr. Qusasir Raza and Dr. Whitten. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 30, 2015 from 6 until 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son funeral home in Salem. Funeral Services will be conducted on Friday, July 31, 2015 at 2 p.m. in the funeral home’s chapel with Pastors Steve and Mari Lou Akers and Pastor Travis Cassell officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem. An online guestbook is available by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.