Jackie Lee Blanton Jackie Lee Blanton, age 70 of Sellerstown Rd passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2016. He was born on October 19, 1945 in Cleveland County to the late Sidney Hood and Juanita Burton Blanton. Jack was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the United States Navy where he served aboard the USS Essex. He was a member of the Cherryville American Legion Post #100. Jack was also a member of the Cattlemen's Association and the Tri-County Men on Missions. He retired from BellSouth after 34 years of service. Since his retirement, he has been employed by Southern Gem Nursery for 12 years. Jack was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. His family was the love of his heart. Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted and loving wife of 50 years, Merlyn Sellers Blanton of the home; his loving daughters, Amy Blanton Schnurr and husband, Chris of Cherryville and Jacklyn Blanton Mull and husband, Kevin of Shelby; grandchildren, PFC Alex Schnurr of the United States Marine Corps, Katie Rose Schnurr, Lacey M. Blake, and Cole Mull; great-grandchildren, Turner Blake and Wyatt Blake; and siblings, Darryl Blanton and Krista B. Smith, both of Kings Mountain, Peggy B. Wright of Concord, and Joyce B. Brown of Gastonia. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 3:00 PM at Shady Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Johnny Owens officiating, with the graveside service immediately following. The family will receive friends following the graveside service in the Family Life Center. Memorials may be made to Shady Grove Baptist Church, 3240 Tryon Courthouse Rd Cherryville, NC 28021 or Cherryville American Legion Post #100 Honor Guard, 215 N Pink St. Cherryville NC 28021. Condolences may be made to www.carpentersfuneralhome.net