Daxter Blankenship, 72, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026, at Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, North Carolina, surrounded by love. He was born November 20, 1953 in Buchanan County, Virginia.

Daxter was a man who could light up a room. He was funny, outgoing, and a true social butterfly. He never met a stranger and had a way of making people feel like family. Above all else, Daxter loved his family deeply and would do absolutely anything for the people he loved.

Daxter was a man of incredible strength and courage. Throughout his life, he endured more than most could ever imagine, including battles with cancer and, most recently, ALS. Even through the hardest days, he remained strong and never wavered in his faith in Christ. His faith carried him through his greatest trials, and he remained steadfast in his Pentecostal faith until the very end.

Daxter was a member of PROPEL Family Worship Center in Statesville, North Carolina, where his faith and love for Christ were an important part of his life.

When he wasn’t spending time with the people he loved, Daxter enjoyed the simple things that brought him happiness. He loved fishing, hunting, and CB radios. He enjoyed being outdoors, talking with people, and making memories along the way.

Daxter was preceded in death by his parents, Pauline Blankenship and Conley Blankenship; and his siblings, Brenda Sue Blankenship, Wilma Jean Clark, Lawyer Copas Blankenship, Paul Blankenship, Roger Dean Blankenship, and Mildred Mae Wayne.

He leaves behind those who will forever carry his memory in their hearts, including his sons, Dexter David Blankenship and wife, Erin Michelle Blankenship, and Nicholas Lee Blankenship and girlfriend, Ginger Sanborn; his grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth Blankenship and Robert Lee Blankenship; and his siblings, Jim Blankenship, Joy Prater, Dorothy Prater, and Josephine Bowles. He also leaves behind extended family, friends, and countless people whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor, and unforgettable personality.

Daxter’s life was defined not by the challenges he faced, but by the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the faith he held onto through it all. He fought every battle with remarkable courage and strength. His family will forever be grateful for the time they were given with him and will carry his memory, his laughter, and his love with them always.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Nicholson Funeral Home, 135 E. Front Street, Statesville, NC 28677. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM, with burial immediately following the service at Iredell Memorial Gardens, 2304 Shelton Avenue, Statesville, NC 28677.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Daxter’s honor to PROPEL Family Worship Center, 2487 Shelton Avenue, Statesville, NC 28677.

Daxter may have left this earthly life, but his love, laughter, strength, and faith will live on through everyone blessed to have known him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.