Ricky Lee Blanton, 66, of Casar, entered "That Place Called Heaven" on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.

Born in Cleveland County on February 28, 1956, he was the son of the late Bobby Lee Blanton and Charlene Self Blanton. He was a former plant manager for Furnlite and was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church, where he was a deacon and member of the St. Paul Quartet for over forty years.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his grandmother Mamie Self and pet companion Buttercup.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia McNeely Blanton; two sons, Jonathan Blanton and wife Dara of Fallston and Justin Blanton of Gastonia; sister, Carolyn Poston and husband Mike of Casar; two grandchildren, Mason Blanton and Alexa Blanton; two nephews, Joseph Poston and wife Natalie and Brandon Poston all of Cherryville; two sisters-in-law, Libby Williams and Mary Cook both of Lawndale and special caregivers, Betty Jo Dillingham of Fallston; former caregiver Carolyn Hudson of Casar and two beloved pets Eden and Scooter. He is also survived by a loving community including aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors and church family.

The family would like to thank everyone who has been a blessing to Ricky throughout his illness.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 22, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Monday, January 23, 2023 at St. Paul Baptist Church with Rev. Keith Fulbright officiating. Mr. Blanton will lie in state thirty minutes before the service.

The burial will follow the service in the St. Paul Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Baptist Church, 337 Hull Rd., Casar, NC 28020 or Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

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

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