Kenneth "Ken" Ray Blanton, Sr., 72 , of Shelby, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Atrium Health - Main, Charlotte.

Born in Cleveland County, NC on January 18, 1950, he was the son of the late Rayford Lewis Blanton, Sr. and Edna Barnette Blanton. He was retired from Cleveland County Schools. Ken served in the US Army during Vietnam. He loved to hunt.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Danny Blanton and a sister, Kitty Haynes.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Terry Pearson Blanton; son, Kenny Blanton of Shelby; daughter, Sharon Blanton of Shelby; three brothers, Rayford Blanton, Jr., of Shelby, Albert Blanton of Grover and Randy Blanton of Morganton; two sisters, Tina Lindsay of Rutherfordton and Karen Blanton of Boiling Springs and four grandchildren, Brandon Clark, Ashley Blanton, Hunter Blanton and Gunnar Blanton.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 23, 2022 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 12:00 pm at Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home.

The burial will follow the service in the Rose Hill Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home, PO Box 639, Fallston, NC 28042 to help defray funeral expenses.

A guest register is available at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., Fallston, NC.