Mr. Johnny Ray Blankenship, 66, of Grenada, passed away Monday, October 14, 2024 at AMG Specialty Hospital in Batesville.  He was born September 17, 1958 in Purcell, OK to Glen Curtis Blankenship and Melissia Ann Garner Anderson.  Johnny honorably served our country in the US Navy aboard nuclear submarines for 20 years.  Following his retirement as an Electronics Technician Chief Petty Officer from the Navy, Johnny has worked as an electrical technician for Thompson Machinery since 2001.  While Johnny earned many accolades during his time in the Navy, the title he treasured most was "Dad".  Johnny immersed himself in everything his children were involved in and coached numerous teams through the years.  He enjoyed co-coaching the Grenada Titans for 7 years winning five state championships and one World Series championship.  A devoted Ole Miss fan, Johnny loved watching college football and also enjoyed watching a good soccer game.  Johnny will long be remembered for his dedication to his country and love for his family.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, October 18, 2024 at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada with the Rev. J. Barry Worrell officiating.  Inurnment will follow in the Woodlawn Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends from noon until service time Friday at McKibben and Guinn.

Survivors include his wife, Salina Blankenship; mother, Ann Anderson of Choctaw, OK; daughter, Kate Blankenship of Grenada; sons, Cory Murphree(Tiffany) and Mason Blankenship, both of Grenada; brother, Robert Dryden(Kim) of Broken Arrow, OK; two grandchildren, Rylee Murphree and Beckham Blankenship; his mother-in-law, Carmie Kennedy of Grenada and his faithful dog, Jersi Blankenship.

Johnny is preceded in death by his father; son, Justin Murphree and a brother, Mark Blankenship.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Grenada Titans which include Blake Morgan, Bailey Allbritton, Abbott Hankins, Cole Dungan, Laine Tribble, Evan Hobson, Rob Houston Bailey, Colton Lane, Culley Griffin, Webb Roberts, Peyton Estes, Grayson Dale and Lee Hodges Costilow.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).