Mr. Roy Roger Blanton, Sr. 71, of 2029 Green Oak Drive, Shelby, NC departed this life on Monday, September 7, 2015 at Carolinas Continuous Care in Kings Mountain, NC. A native of Cleveland County, he was born on February 23, 1944 to the late John Albert Blanton and Flossie Helen Phillips McAfee.

Roy was a graduate of Green Bethel High School in Boiling Springs, NC and furthered his education at Gardner Webb University receiving a degree in Psychology. Roy served three years in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam War veteran earning the rank of Sergeant. He was a truck driver for most of his working career in addition to serving 13 years as a deputy with the Cleveland County Sheriff's Department and was awarded the North Carolina Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate. He was a member of the retired Police Officer's Association, Governmental Employee's, a former member of the N.A.A.C.P. and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans.

In addition, he volunteered with the Cleveland County School System and was a substitute teacher.

Roy was a very likeable and friendly person who loved to crack jokes and make people laugh. Of special note, Roy appeared as an extra in the movie "Rutherford County Line" playing a law enforcement officer. He will be remembered also as an excellent husband, father and grandfather.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, John Alvin Blanton and Willie James Blanton.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 52 years, Kathleen Blanton; two sons, Roy Blanton, Jr. and Brian Blanton (Samantha) both of Shelby; one granddaughter, Legacy Summer Blanton of Shelby; one brother, Eugene Bob Blanton (Sandra) of Warwick, NY; three sisters, Offia Blanton and Flossie B. Hardin both of Shelby and Billie Jo Moore of Lexington, NC; one uncle, Elijah Phillips of Boiling Springs, NC; one aunt, Jennie Ruth Phillips of Shelby; one brother-in-law, L. J. Pettyjohn (Hattie) of Greensboro, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 11, 2015 at S.T. Enloe Memorial Chapel at 11:00 AM with Rev. James L. Smith officiating and Rev. R. E. Devoe delivering the eulogy. Burial will take place at Cleveland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 10:00 Am until 11:00 AM on Friday and at other times at the home. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloes.net. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.