Charles Powell Blankenship

Charles Powell Blankenship, age 82, of Powhatan, Virginia, died January 5th, 2026. Charles was born April 11th, 1943, in Powhatan to the late Spears and Lois Blankenship. He attended Powhatan County public schools and graduated from Powhatan High School in the class of 1961. During college he enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve in Vietnam. When he returned to the States, he attended Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and married his high school sweetheart, Karen Manley of Powhatan. Charles obtained two degrees from VCU, his bachelor's degree in 1969 and his master's degree in 1976

Charles spent his career dedicated to education and sports in public schools. He was an athletic director, director of guidance counseling, assistant principal, history teacher and coach of baseball, football, softball, and track at Powhatan High School. He was also a guidance counselor at Meadowbrook, Clover Hill, and Midlothian High Schools in Chesterfield County. During the summers he traveled around the United States with his family, visiting cities, baseball stadiums, and National Parks.

After retiring from education and coaching, Charles could often be found on the sidelines of Powhatan High School football games keeping statistics for the team. You would also find him traveling with friends and supporting his children's and grandchildren's many sports, musical, and dramatic interests.

Charles was a lifelong member of Mount Herman Baptist Church in Moseley, Virginia, and a long-time pitcher for the church's league-winning, slow--pitch softball team. He served the church as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.

Many will remember Charles for his humor, as he loved to laugh and make others laugh. His dedication to helping young people stay in school and participate in sports impacted many lives in the Powhatan and Chesterfield area.

Charles Blankenship is preceded in death by his parents, Spears and Lois; his brother, Phil; and his son, Todd. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Karen; his children, Aimee Parsons (Lloyd), Jeremy (Sarah), and Laura Koelzer (Josh). Also part of his legacy are seven grandchildren, Savannah Parsons Smith (Dajour); Jackson Parsons; Belle, Gabe, and Zeb Koelzer; and Addy and Natalie Blankenship. He is survived by one great-grandchild, Tessa Smith. He will be remembered fondly by his sister, Tammy Corbitt (Rick).

A memorial service will be held at noon on January 10th at Mount Hermon Baptist Church, 18100 Genito Road, Moseley, VA, 23120. Visitation will occur at 11:00 a.m. just prior to the memorial service, and a fellowship meal will follow the service.