Terry W. Blankenship

Terry Wayne Blankenship, 77, of Roanoke, Virginia passed away on Friday July 31, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke with his wife by his side. Terry was born on December 12, 1948, in Riverdale, VA, the son of Ralph and Joyce Blankenship. He met his beloved wife, Connie, in Lodi, California and they were married in Reno, Nevada in 1969. They moved back to Roanoke in 1972 where they made a home and raised their family.

Terry served 34 years with the Roanoke City Police Department retiring in 2006. He served as a Patrolman, an undercover detective, a youth detective, and lastly as an AFIS fingerprint technician, which was his favorite position. After retirement he continued to use his AFIS skills at the Virginia State Police Lab. During his police career he received multiple awards and commendations for his dedicated service to his community.

Terry was an avid hunter and fisherman and was a member of the Appomattox Hunt Club for thirty years. He was best known for his story telling, jokes, and his cooking skills. Terry was an avid lover of animals and could always be found taking care of his birds, squirrels, plants and flowers, but his greatest love was his family.

Proceeding him in death were his parents Ralph and Joyce, his grandparents Jessie and Laura Simmons, and his Grandson Mason Herndon.

He is survived by his wife Connie, his daughters Michelle (and Stephen) Kavanaugh, Stephanie (and Christopher) Herndon, Grandsons Zachary (and Shaina) Grady and Conner Herndon, and Great Grand Children Irelynn, Nolan, and Holly.

A memorial gathering will be held from 6:00 until 6:30 pm on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem. A celebration of life will follow at 6:30 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of Flowers, expressions of sympathy in Terry’s memory can be made to Good Samaritan Hospice in Terry Blankenship’s memory to Good Samaritan, 4751 Cove Road NW, Roanoke, VA 24017, or online at www.goodsam.care/ways-to-give.