Thursday, December 6, 2012 2:12 pm

Mr. J. E. Blanton, age 94, of Scenic Circle died Monday, December 3, 2012 at Cleveland Regional Medical Center. Born on September 15, 1918 in Cleveland County, he was the son of the late William Hoyle and Katherine Hardin Blanton. Mr. Blanton was a member of Eastside Baptist Church for over 72 years. He served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent and Chairman of the Counting Committee. He served in the Army in Europe during WWII. He was also a former member of the Shelby Exchange Club. He was a skilled craftsman making custom storm doors and window screens. He retired from J.P. Stevens after 35 years of service, and was a friend to most everyone. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Josephine Curry Blanton; seven brothers, Beuford Blanton, Fred Blanton, Paul Blanton, Luther Blanton, Matthew Blanton, James Blanton, Abel Blanton, and Timmy Blanton; two sisters, Inez Justice and Vassie Blanton.
Mr. Blanton is survived by his two sons, Rev. David Blanton Sr. and wife Paula of Kings Mountain and Ronald Blanton and wife Betty of Shelby; a daughter, Joann Murrell of Shelby; four grandchildren, David Blanton Jr. and wife Jody, Derek Blanton and wife Kathy, Coree Blanton, and Andrew Murrell; three great grandchildren, Ashley Mason and husband Dexter, Kaitlyn Blanton, and Shannon Roof; and two great great grandchildren, Riley Mason and Tristan Mason.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday December 6, 2012 at 3:00 pm at Eastside Baptist Church with Rev. Leland Kerr and Dr. Robert Canoy officiating. Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park with Military Honors. The family will receive friends on Wednesday December 5, 2012 at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory from 5:00 until 7:00 pm.and other times at the home on Scenic Circle.
Memorials can be made to Eastside Baptist Church Building Fund, 1165 Wyke Road, Shelby NC 28150.