Mr. John A. Blanton, Jr., age 89 of Shelby, NC, passed away Monday, September 7, 2015 at Cleveland Regional Medical Center.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Frances Connor Blanton of the home, two children, David Blanton and wife Jimmie of Shelby, NC, and Tina Hurdt and husband Joe of Shelby, NC, three grandchildren, John Hurdt of Shelby, NC, Wendy Dendy and husband Phil of Lawndale, NC, and Sherri Lowery and husband Shawn of Blacksburg, SC, four great grandchildren, Kaylee Dendy, Connor Dendy, Kelsie Clary, and Logan Warren, and a sister, Sara Anthony and husband Larry of Shelby, NC and a special friend, Margaret Surratt of Shelby, NC.

Born November 6, 1925 in Cleveland County, Mr. Blanton was the son of the late John A. Blanton Sr. and Analda Wilson Blanton and was preceded in death by a brother, Jake Blanton and five sisters, Martha Bagwell, Ann Hardy, Carrie Lee, Beatrice Washburn and Nellene Weaver.

Mr. Blanton served in the United States Navy during WWII on the USS Neifeh. He loved fox hunting and listening to his dogs. His passion was farming and loved to see the results of his labor. He had a kind heart and always shared what he grew with his friends and people in the community. He was a life member of Double Springs Baptist Church where he was a deacon and taught Sunday school. He adored his wife Frances of 71 years and loved spending time with his family.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm Thursday, September 10, 2015 at Double Springs Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Bill Fryar. A visitation will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 pm in the church sanctuary prior to the service. Burial will follow at Double Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

To sign the guest book, please go to www.clevelandfuneralservices.com

A service of Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory, Inc.