Ronald (Ronnie) Keith Blanton, 75, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday morning, July 21, 2022. He was born in Shelby, NC on May 20th, 1947 to the late JE Blanton and Josephine Curry Blanton.

Ronnie graduated from Shelby High School in 1965. He then attended college at Gardner Webb and Georgia Southern where he met his wife of 51 years, Betty Blanton.

From a young age, Ronnie had a very strong work ethic. At around age 9, he began delivering "grit" papers throughout his neighborhood. Then, for the next few years, he delivered papers for the Shelby Daily Star. As a teen, he worked at Cleveland Times Printing and later Printing and Packaging. After college, he began teaching school. He dedicated his life to educating the youth of Cleveland County where he enthusiastically taught social studies, civics, government, and economics at Belwood School, Burns Junior High School and Burns High School. After retiring, he continued teaching. He worked with students with special needs who were homebound. During his teaching career, he also had many other endeavors. He drove a school bus, had a paint business with Webb Cabiness, and made screens
with his father.

Growing up, Ronnie was a member of Eastside Baptist Church. He then attended Ascension Lutheran Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher, was a member of Church Council, and served on other committees.

Ronnie's most memorable saying was, "My glass is always half full." This defined how he viewed the world and lived his life. His positive attitude guided every decision he made and everything he did. Ronnie was a very caring and giving person. He often quietly helped others in need. He would pay bills, fix household appliances, provide food and clothing, visit friends who were homebound, and numerous other charitable acts.

Ronnie Blanton is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Betty) Blanton and daughter Coree Blanton, both of Shelby; his brother David Blanton Sr. and wife Brenda of Kings Mountain, his sister Joann Murrell and Chip Devine of Shelby, his "other brother" Webb Cabiness and wife Anita of Shelby; his nephews Dave Blanton Jr and Jody of Gastonia, Derek Blanton and Kathy of Locust, Andrew Murrell and Caroline of Durham, and a large extended family.

A celebration of Ronnie's life will be held 11:00 am at Ascension Lutheran Church on July 30th, 2022 officiated by Kris Kramer. The family will receive friends on July 29th at Cecil Burton Funeral Home from 6-7:30 pm.

Memorials may be made to Ascension Lutheran Church at PO Box 266, Shelby, NC 28151.

Online guest registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M Burton is serving the Blanton family.