Richard L. "Buddy" Lewis, 72, of Clifton Woods Apartments in Clifton Forge, died. Thursday, June 23, 2011 at his residence. He was born June 15, 1939 in Alleghany County, a son of the late James and Virginia Tingler Blankenship. Mr. Blankenship worked for many years as a security guard. He was also a member of the Sharon Volunteer Fire Department. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Blankenship in 1992. Surviving are his wife, Gathleen Mays Blankenship of Clifton Forge; a son, Richard Lewis Blankenship II of Harrisonburg; a daughter, Nova Blankenship Wright of Covington and William Wright of Clifton Forge, four grandchildren, Seth Allen Wright of Clifton Forge, Walter Lewis Wright, Isaac Chandler Wright, and Aysha Rain Wright, all of Covington; two sisters, Janet Griffith of Louisiana and Iris Delane Bush of Kansas; and numerous nieces and nephews. In accordance with Mr. Blankenship's wishes, his body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held Monday, June 27 at 6 PM at Arritt Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Moore officiating. The family will receive their friends following the service.