Roy Blessing Obituary

Roy Franklin Blessing

September 17, 1935 -

January 25, 2026

Roy Franklin Blessing passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026 after a long battle with dementia. Roy was born on September 17, 1935 in Scott County, Virginia and resided in the Kermit community his entire 90 years of life. He was a devoted family man who loved his wife Ruby Nell for 64 years until her death on December 31, 2020. Roy loved his garden and would often supply the entire valley with fresh vegetables. He owned a sawmill and loved to transform logs into lumber. He was an avid Virginia Tech Hokie fan and had season tickets for many years. He also was a huge fan of the Gate City Blue Devils and had season tickets at Legion Field until his health declined. His biggest passion was farming. He raised tobacco, corn, grew a garden and put up hay until he was no longer able. His garden was the envy of all, he raised cattle and horses most of his life and some referred to his farm as the "Fed well Farm". He instilled the love of horses to his daughter Trina. Roy and Ruby loved attending local horse shows to watch Trina, Victoria, Luke, and Logan show their horses. Roy and Ruby also loved camping at Grindstone Campground every July 4th week with their family where they enjoyed campfires and family meals cooked over the fire. Roy enjoyed trout fishing with his son Roy Allen in the mountain streams near the campground. He did odd jobs such as sawmilling, hauling paperwood, carpentry and farming until the 1960s when he started working at the Mason Dixon Trucking Company in Kingsport where he drove trucks and did dock work until they closed in 1983. In 1985, he worked at Yellow Freight Lines in Marietta Georgia until his retirement in 1998. In order to be home to tend to his farm and support his family, he would drive 5 hours to Marietta Georgia, then work a 10 hour night shift for 4 days. After the 4th night shift, he would clock out, drive 5 hours back home and do a day's work on the farm before going to bed @ 11:00 pm. For 13 years, he would miss a night of sleep doing this routine, week after week. He had a work ethic unmatched by anyone and proudly bragged about his record at Yellow Freight as a dock hostler moving more trailers in a 10 hour shift than anyone in the company at the time. Roy was loved by all and was a hard-working family man, neighbor and friend. He was a devoted and loving husband, father & papaw.

Proceeding him in death was his loving wife, Ruby Nell Grim Blessing, parents L.D. Blessing and Hester Blessing. Sisters: Gertrude Ripley, Emmogene Housewright, Eva Mcconnell, Nataleen Dean, Grace Housewright, Wanda Hensley, brother Jimmy Blessing. Survivors include sister Linda Hensley, sons Roy Allen Blessing (Karen), Jeffrey Wayne Blessing, daughter, Trina Blessing Vermillion (Deetsie). Grandchildren, Maggie Demory (Eddie), Rachel Blessing, Ashley Blessing, Brandon Blessing (Tabitha), Victoria Donnelly, Luke Vermillion (Jacqueline), Cortney Vermillion, Logan Vermillion (Rachel). Great grandchildren, Pacy Gilliam, Gracie Gilliam, Austin Demory, Millie May, Kate Blessing, Lundy Addington, Duwayne Blessing, Justin Contreras, Ransom Donnelly, Ruben Donnelly, Roy Donnelly, Kyleigh Vermillion, Kenleigh Vermillion, Carter Vermillion, Hallie Vermillion, Eli Vermillion, Benson Keith, Harper Hill. Several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers: Luke Vermillion, Brandon Blessing, Logan Vermillion, Blu Castle, Matthew Housewright, Merle Thacker, Bruce Blessing, Greg Blessing. Honorary pallbearers Frank Castle, Mike Shoemaker and Eddie Demory.

Visiting hours will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Catron's Chapel Church 9387 Yuma Rd., Gate City, Virginia. Funeral services will follow at 8:00 PM with preacher Larry Tolley and Sam Newland officiating. Music will be provided by Andy and Aaron Tate, Luke Vermillion and Sam Newland. Graveside services will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Blessing Cemetery in the Kermit community of Gate City.

Special thanks to Caris Healthcare and Hospice for their compassionate care. Pamela Shelton for her in-home-care for many years until May 2025. Granddaughter Victoria Donnelly for her in-home-care and compassion from May 2025 until his passing. Niece Penny Renfro from October 2025 until his passing. Neighbor and friend Merle Thacker for help with lawn care, chores and daily care. Grandson Luke Vermillion, Roy and Luke had a very special bond that impacted both their lives.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catron's Chapel Church, 9387 Yuma Rd, Gate City, VA 24251.

Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.fischerfuneralservices.com

Fischer Funeral Services, Hiltons, VA, is in charge of the arrangements.