Roger Dale "Big Chew" Blankenship

Roger Dale “Big Chew” Blankenship, 61, of Gilbert, WV was called home by his Lord and Savior to his heavenly abode to claim his lifelong reward on Saturday, August 23, 2025, just three days short of his 62nd birthday. 

Born August 26, 1963, at Man, WV he was the youngest son of the late Wanda Lou (Wiley) and James Watson Blankenship, and stepson of the late Virginia May. 

In addition to his parents, Roger is preceded in death by his brother, Junior Lee Blankenship. 

Roger was an avid worker and known member of the community. He worked 34 years for Mr. James “Buck” Harless at his homeplace helping and taking care of Mrs. June Harless before transferring to Hampden Coal Company.  Roger spent the last four years of his mining journey at Coronado Coal Company where he was referred to as “Big Chew” because wherever you saw him, he had a big chew of tobacco in his jaw. 

Roger married the love of his life, Irene “Midge” Browning in 1982.  With finding his true love he inherited four girls whom he treated and called his own: Jowana, Misty, Jennifer, and Becky along with his son, Jody. As husband and wife, they walked through all of life’s trials hand in hand by each other’s side. 

Roger was the patriarch of the family. The one every young grandchild looked up to and the perfect example of a husband for his grandsons. He loved to spoil them all rotten and could often be found sneaking one money when the other wasn’t looking. Papaw was a title he wore proudly. 

Roger’s only other love besides Midge was his love of Harley Davidson.  From an early age he started riding, but orange and black quickly became his favorite.  He would buy then sell his bike only to purchase another.  Anytime you saw him outside of work he would have his Harley Davidson shirt on, chain wallet in his pocket and a chew in his jaw. 

Roger is survived by his wife of 43 years, Midge; daughters: Jowana (Mike) Blankenship of Browning Fork, WV, Misty May of Varney, WV, Jennifer (Jamie) Perry of Isaban, WV, Rebecca May (Scott Tomblin) of Verdunville, WV, son, Jody (Kendra) Blankenship of Man, WV, special granddaughter he raised as his own, Sierra (Brandon) Jacobs od Madison, WV, 19 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, and his only other brother, Billy Joe (Dreama) Blankenship of Stafford’s Branch, Gilbert, WV. 

A celebration of Roger’s life will begin Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 6:00 till 9:00 pm in the chapel of Mounts Funeral Home where friends may visit and share their memories. Funeral services will commence there in the chapel on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 1:00 pm with Pastor Bill Cresong officiating. Burial will follow in the Browning Cemetery at Wharncliffe, WV. 

Roger will be carried to his fleshly resting place by pallbearers: JR Perry, Brandon Jacobs, Rodney Cook, Zach Cantrell, Dallas May, Kameron Blankenship, Shon Blankenship, Teddy Robinette and Donald Robinette, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Joe Blankenship, Pat Calloway, Donald Robinette, Paul Meadows, Jamie Perry, Mike Blankenship, and Scott Tomblin. 

He may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. 

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