Gerald Willliam Blanton

Gerald "Jerry" William Blanton, age 78, of Bear Paw Lane, in the Turkey Knob Community of Sparta, NC; passed away Friday, November 26th, 2021 in Sparta.

Jerry was born January 5th, 1943 in Chicago, IL to the late Gerald Melvene Blanton and Dolly Ruth Gunther Blanton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Dan Blanton.

Jerry was a US Navy Veteran, proudly serving his country from 1961 until 1965 on the USS Sampson as a gunman during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After his time in the Navy, he joined Motorola as an Assembly Technician. He retired after 36 years of service as Senior Vice President of the Battery Division. After retiring at the age of 58 and for the next 16 years of his life, he enjoyed traveling all over the country in his motor coach with his wife and family. He especially liked taking his grandchildren with him and visiting many national parks. He enjoyed boating, fishing and playing golf.

Survivors include his wife, June Blanton of the home, two sons: Dan Blanton and wife Kimberly of Tampa, FL, Mark Blanton and wife Michelle of Niceville, FL; a daughter, Tracyraquel Blanton Berns and husband Bart of Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO; five grandchildren: Christopher Blanton, Andrew Blanton, Hannah Blanton, Goldie Marks and Hunter Berns; two great-grandchildren: Ali'i Marks and Akua Marks; two brothers: Melvin Blanton and wife Kathy of IL, Tom Blanton of Los Angeles, CA; a sister, Diane Modjeski of San Diego, CA; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends also survive.

Memorial Services to honor the life of Jerry will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Thomas Family Funeral Service is honored to be serving the Blanton Family. If you wish, online tributes may be extended to the family at www.thomasfamilyfs.com.

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