Douglas Mack Arthur Blankenship was born to William Taylor Blankenship and Hilda Bandy Blankenship on Jan. 8, 1947, in Hurley, VA.

He graduated from Hurley High School in the class of 1967. After graduation, he was called to serve in the Army. He served from April 1966 to February 1968. He served in Viet Nam from February 1967 to February 1968. He worked many jobs in Virginia and Maryland before moving to Forks, WA in May 1973 where he spent his working years in and around shake mills.

He was the owner of Blankenship Shake Mill until his retirement.

Doug is survived by his wife of 56 years, Bernice Wess Blankenship; two daughters, Toni and Lorri; Six grandchildren: Bryce Douglas Lester, Scott Mitchel Lester, and Hailey Lester Jones; Colby Reece Gagnon, Austin Gagnon and Kassi Gagnon; Four great grandchildren – Henley Jill Gagnon, Solomon Gagnon, Addie Jones and Silas Jones; Brothers Charles Taylor Blankenship and Larry Blankenship of Hurley, VA; Also two sisters Lynn McCoy of Hurley, VA, and Janice Smith of Lynchburg, VA.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Scott and Fayette Blankenship.

After retirement, he worked around his home and was a great gardener. He loved sharing his garden produce with friends and neighbors.

Doug attended the First Baptist Church of Forks and a celebration of life was held on September 10th at the Forks First Baptist Church with Pastor Bob Schwartz presiding. He was interred at the Forks Cemetery.