Andrew "Andy" Pinkney Blanton, Jr., age 77, passed on Sunday, October 22, 2017. Born in Cleveland County on March 20, 1940 he was the son of the late Andrew and Beulah Earl Blanton. Andy retired from Carolina Freight and was a six time State Truck Driving Champion and was inducted into the Truck Driving School Hall of Fame in 1995. He was a Mason with the State Line Lodge No. 375 AF& AM and a lifetime member of New Hope Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, Andy is preceded in death by his son, Dan Andrew Blanton, his sister, Julia Mae Blanton and his infant brother.

Andy is survived by his wife of 58 years, Martha Hester Blanton, a daughter, Anita Austell (Hugh), two sons, Michael Blanton (DeAn), David Blanton (Amy); a brother Max Blanton (Mary Ester); two sisters, Mildred Owens (Tommy) and Margie Hardin (Alan); nine grandchildren, Christy Justice (Alan), Nicole "Nikki" Blanton, Becky Austell, Todd Blanton, Robby Austell, McKenzie Blanton, Kelsey Blanton, Tyson Blanton and Bryce Blanton; four great grandchildren, Amy Easler, Michael Easler (Alicia), David Davis, and Marshall Justice; and a great-great granddaughter, Sophia Rametta; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 2:00 pm at New Hope Baptist Church with Rev. Russ Bradley and Rev. Michael Sepaugh officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Masonic Rites. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 from 5:30pm until 7:30pm at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to New Hope Baptist Church, PO Box 116 Earl, NC 28038.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Blanton.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com