He was born on April 2, 1951, in Rody, Virginia, to the late William L. and Liza (Louis) Blanken.
In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his brothers, Billy Joe Blanken, Donald “Pete” Blanken, and Jerry Blanken; his sister, Faye Webb, Vickey Flannery, and Irene Blanken; and his son, Michael Blanken.
Wayne spent over 30 years as an over-the-road trucker until he retired in 1999 from F.A.S.T Trucking. He enjoyed going to dirt track races with his brother-in-law, Curt Flannery, to watch Shon, Curt's son, race. Wayne always enjoyed spending time with his grandbabies. He loved to be around them because no matter how bad he felt, he would say they made him feel better. He would like to sit and watch the news every day and then watch NASCAR on Sundays. Wayne also enjoyed watching Gunsmoke and Bonanza.
Before Wayne got sick, he would always sit outside during the summer and enjoyed watching the first snowfall when winter came. He would always go out of his way to help others. He never expected anything in return as long as it was helping someone in need.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Dorothy (Roadcap) Blanken, whom he married in 1971; his children, Chris Blanken and his wife, Rachel, of Greenville, Willie Blanken of Appalachia, Virginia, Dewayne Blanken of Duffield, Virginia, and Lance Parsons and his wife, Tara, of Lynn, Indiana; his 12 grandchildren; his 3 great grandchildren; and his siblings, David Blanken and his wife, Elaine, of Springfield, Ohio, Mickey Blanken and his wife, Linda, of Chillicothe, Ohio, Alan Blanken and his wife, Janice, of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and Matilyn Collier and her husband, Doug, of Nashville, Tennessee; his brother-in-law, Curtis Flannery of Church Hill, Tennessee; and his sister-in-law, Wanita Blanken of Big Stone Gap.
A Celebration of Wayne’s life will be at 12 noon of Monday, November 25, 2019, at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus, with Pastor Curtis Flannery officiating. Burial, with full military honors provided by the Greenville Honor Guard, will follow in Hollansburg Cemetery.
Guests may visit with Wayne’s family on Sunday, November 24, 2019, from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.