Born 7 Oct 1880, married Ibbie Frances Boggs (b: 4 Jun 1880; d: 4 Dec 1859), the daughter of Epl Boggs and Sarah Counts. Roy and Ibbie were married in Lawrence Co., Ohio on 29 Jan 1900. He died 25 Jan 1958 and is buried in Hillcrest Cemetery in Grayson.
At birth he was name Lee Roy, a name he never cared for and at an early age, he changed it to Roy J, by which he was known the remainder of his life. In dealing with people, his manner radiated a kindly interest and good will; his ease with conversation and popularity as a "story teller" aided in attracting and hold a solid constituency through years, as a merchant and public servant. An amateur musician he player cornet and harmonica with Hitchens bands, and was leader of the singing group, "The Blankenship Quartette." The harmonica group and quartette broadcast over WHAZ, Huntington, WV in the early 30s. The quartet was made up of brother Jerome, sister Clara, and cousin Ethel Duvall Thomas, and the group performed over a period of years at public affairs, at churches, and many country funerals.
His vocational career started as a primary school teacher, followed by clerk in a store in Olive Hill, a Hitchens merchant, and traveling salesman. In the mid twenties, he was appointed as Hitchens postmaster. In 1932 he was a candidate for and was elected as Sheriff of Carter County. The following administrative term, 1936, he was elected as Carter County Judge. Following this service and until retirement he was a merchant first in Hitchens and later in Grayson. In retirement he was elected as Justice of the Peace, and was service as J.P. at the time of his death.
Their children:
Ruie Ruth Blankenship born 25 Feb 1901 at Beech Grove.
She married Joseph Dewey Wheeler. (2 Nov 1898 – 1 Apr 1971) Ruie later moved to Riviera, AZ with their son Joseph R. Wheeler.
Kathleen Blankenship born 14 Feb 1917 at Hitchens; and married to Curtis B. Pritchard. D: 7 August 1959.
Submitted by: Nancy Brinly