William McKinley (Gringo) Blankenship, Jr., 90, of Max Meadows, passed away on Friday, December 21, 2012 at Twin County Regional Hospital. Mr. Blankenship was born in Early, Virginia to the late William McKinley Blankenship, Sr. and Grace Allen Blankenship. Survivors include his wife, Frances S. Blankenship of the home; children and spouses, Samuel Max and Brenda Blankenship of Denver, CO, Billie Kaye and Kim Robinette of Hillsville, and Strader and Ruby Blankenship of Max Meadows; brother, John D. Blankenship of Abington, VA; five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel with Pastor Jason Simpkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Pickett Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, December 23, 2012 from 12:00 until 2:00 PM, prior to the funeral service. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.