Ralph Blanton

Mr. Ralph Mitchell Blanton, age 88, of Shelby, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at Kings Mountain Hospice. A native of Cleveland County, he is the son of the late Lucion and Sally Scruggs Blanton. Mr. Blanton had worked as an electrician until his retirement. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. Mr. Blanton enjoyed spending his free time playing cards and checkers. He was a lifetime member of Flint Hill Baptist Church where he served in many different capacities.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Selma Pearson Blanton; son, Robert Mitchell Blanton; son-in-law, Steve Matthew Blanton.

He is survived by his daughter, Gwen Blanton of Kings Mountain; four sisters, Ethel Ledbetter, Geneva Ledbetter, Grace Francis all of Shelby, and Virginia Holland of Forest City; four grandchildren, Maria Hamrick and husband Scott, Randy Blanton, Brandon Blanton and wife B.J., and Marissa Blanton; five great grandchildren, Jessica, Starr, Owen, Sadie, and Riley; two great-great grandchildren, Noah and Ellie; daughter-in-law, Kathy Blanton Harris; numerous nieces and nephews.