Melvin Blankenship, 70, of Grundy, VA, died September 23rd, 2000, at Heritage Hall in Grundy. Melvin was a native of Buchanan County, VA. Melvin's the son of Dolphis and Vicey Deel Blankenship. Melvin was preceded in death by his wife Lena Deel Blanken- ship; two sisters Annabelle Deel and ClarcyDeel, two brothers, James Monroe O'quinn and Joshua Blankenship. Melvin is survived by sons Carter, Michael, Roger, and Darrell Blankenship; a daughter Alicia Boyd; two brothers David Blan- kenship and Charlie Blankenship; two sisters, Louisa Raines and Vicey Catherine Blankenship; 12 grandchildren; four great grandchildren and eight stepchildren. Melvin's buried in the Blankenship Cemetery near Grundy, VA. bd090