Donald Randy Blankenship

Donald “Randy” Blankenship, 63, of Candler, NC passed away June 4th 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Blankenship and Iva Honeycutt; his father-in-law, Robert Eugene Mitchell, Sr., and his mother-in-law, Constance Hyatt Mitchell.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Blankenship; a son, Dusty Blankenship (Ellie); and a daughter, Constance Jylene Kyle (Ryan) and two grandchildren, Charlie Rose Blankenship and Cooper Emmett Kyle.

Randy began his working career at just 15 years old with Ingles Markets, where he started out bagging groceries. His dedication and work ethic quickly became evident, and over time he worked his way up to become a store manager in the 1980s. After two decades with Ingles, he transitioned to Lowe’s Home Improvement, where he served as the Installed Sales Manager throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Eventually, he returned to Ingles, this time as a Produce Manager, a position he held until his retirement in December 2020. Throughout his long and varied career, Randy earned a reputation as an extremely hard worker—meticulous, methodical, and unwavering in his standards. He approached every task with a sense of purpose and a touch of stubborn determination. Yet what truly set him apart was his sense of humor—wild, sometimes inappropriate, and always unforgettable. His jokes and laughter brought levity to long shifts, and his coworkers often said he made the workday fly by. Even through years of declining health, Randy rarely let on that he was in pain. He remained committed to doing his job well, never seeking sympathy, and often pushing through discomfort with
quiet strength and dignity.

The friendships he formed during his years at Ingles and Lowe’s were deeply meaningful to him. The memories, laughter, and camaraderie he shared with colleagues over the years were cherished, and those who had the privilege of working alongside him will not soon forget his presence. Randy’s impact was lasting—not just as a coworker, but as a friend, mentor, and unforgettable personality.

In his younger years, Randy was known for his adventurous and free spirit with a deep love of the outdoors. Whether it was casting a line on a lake surrounded by friends or taking his unmistakenly loud Jeep to places few would even dare, Randy thrived outside. He pushed his vehicles—and himself—to the limit, exploring terrain that often ended in triumphant high-fives or unforgettable “uh-oh” stories retold with laughter.

Fishing, in contrast to the thrill of adventuring in his Jeep, was a source of peace and joy for Randy. He loved the calm and patience it required, while also enjoying the friendly competitiveness that came with fishing alongside friends. He appreciated the solitude and quiet just as much as the shared moments with good company. Nature was both his playground and his sanctuary.

Randy also enjoyed the game of golf and was a devoted NASCAR fan, especially Dale Earnhardt, who was not only his favorite driver but also a great inspiration into the man he became. Many of his early adult memories were made alongside his closest friends, including Jimmy Hooper and Vince Howell, as well as many others who are too numerous to name but equally important. Together, they shared countless adventures, laughter, and late-night conversations.

He had a natural gift for humor—always cracking jokes, pulling pranks, and turning ordinary days into something fun and memorable. Whether he was making someone laugh or lifting their spirits, Randy had a way of making those around him feel like every day was worth celebrating.

One of his most defining traits was his generosity. Randy loved to give. Around the holidays, he would often use his Christmas bonuses exclusively to buy gifts for others, thinking more about their joy than his own. But his giving spirit wasn’t limited to any season—he was always looking for ways to help and support the people in his life.

Randy loved deeply, and he lived fully. While there are too many people to name who influenced and shaped him, it's clear that he cherished the bonds he formed. His life was one marked by laughter, loyalty, adventure, and heart—and those who knew him will carry that legacy forward.

Randy adored his family and was overjoyed to be a grandfather to Charlie and Cooper.

He was married to his wife Jennifer for 40 years. He would tell you his biggest accomplishment in this life was being “pops” to all his children. This loss will be felt so deeply not only to his family, but also by so many others who’s lives he positively impacted.

A Celebration of Randy’s life is planned for Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Groce Funeral on Tunnel Road with Rev. Jimmy Hooper, officiating. A visitation will immediately follow the service.