James Michael “Guitar Man” “Mike” Blankenship

January 23, 2017 |
 James  Michael “Guitar Man” “Mike” Blankenship, age 60, of Columbiana, AL, passed away Monday, January 23, 2017.  He was predeceased by his mother, Julia Christine Byars and brother, John Richard “Ricky” Blankenship. Mike retired from Southern Haulers in Calera, AL after more than 20 years of employment. His survivors include his best friends, Tommy and Sue Wells;  niece, Donda Shaye Blankenship (Scott Grant); nephew, John Michael Blankenship (April); great nephews, Hunter Meader and Brayden Grant; sister-in-law, Nancy Blankenship. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.
Posted in Obituaries

9 Comments

  1. Pamela Wilson on January 23, 2017 at 6:14 pm

    Oh Mike I am so sorry to here you left us. I was looking so forward to getting together to Pick n Grin, again. Sure did love the years in the band! FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN! Only a few of us left from the band. We’ll play & sing again…Love you brother!



  2. Howard Garrett on January 23, 2017 at 7:19 pm

    James, you will be missed by many! RIP MY FRIEND! And for the final time: Happy birthday James!



  3. Homer Galloway on January 24, 2017 at 11:14 am

    Lost a very good friend and awesome musician. Shared many hours of fun picking and grinning at Lib’s Place, for Country Boy Eddie, and on many porches and in yards throughout Shelby County. Our Friend will be greatly missed. R.I.P Mike.



  4. Juanita Merritt on January 24, 2017 at 1:22 pm

    What a shock to hear of Mike’s passing. Many happy memories of Mike and the band, know your at peace right now. Play your beautiful music and give Puggie a hug for me, because I know with the heart you had you no doubt made it to heaven.



  5. Donda Blankenship on January 24, 2017 at 5:37 pm

    Uncle Mike you will be greatly missed!!!
    I know you and daddy are up in Heaven playing some beauitful music for everyone!!



  6. Ruby J Falkner on January 24, 2017 at 9:00 pm

    So sorry to hear of your passing. It has been such a shock. We knew we hadn’t heard from you in awhile. We are honored to have known you. Your friend Ray is taking this pretty bad, he sais, “it’s hitting close to home.” We thought the world of you and loved the way you played the guitar. We will miss you sweet friend so much. We love and miss you. Ray and Ruby Falkner



  7. Wayne Pate on January 25, 2017 at 12:38 pm

    Thanks for the many memories “guitar”. It is a great honor to be among the many people that spent many days and nights playing music with you. You taught me much and I’m thankful. You will be missed.
    Wayne



  8. Blue Barnes on January 26, 2017 at 2:59 pm

    Mike my friend, my heart is heavy as I thank back of the many times we shared. Travel well my friend and a Happy Birthday to you. You are MISSED.



    • Phyllis Carter on January 28, 2017 at 7:52 pm

      Mike Blankenship,
      I loved you when we was married and I still love now and always.
      Phyllis Carter