John David Blanton, Sr, age 83, of the Charity area, passed from his earthly life to meet his Lord on December 23, 2023, while a resident of the Wallace Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Born on October 26, 1940, he is the son of the late James Harvey and Thelma Horrell Blanton.  Also preceding him in death are sisters--Debbie Cantrell and Ginny Stokes.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of sixty-one years--Carolyn Annette Malone Blanton; children--John David Blanton, Jr. and wife Darlene of Magnolia, Thomas Eugene Blanton and wife Arlene of Watha, Kimberly Ann Blanton of Magnolia, and Susan Rebecca Colantuono and husband Pete of Jacksonville; ten grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and siblings--Clinton Blanton and wife Jean of Rose Hill, Sonny Blanton and wife Marsha of Wallace, and Frances Malone of Rose Hill.

Mr. Blanton's work career gave him thirty-one happy years with Murphy Farms as an equipment mechanic wherein he later became a supervisor.  A wise man in many regards, his philosophy was to "turn and walk away" when in the face of anger or adversity, rather than letting satan take over.  He was faithful to his Lord and to Island Creek Baptist Church for many years.  Family was paramount in his life and his love for family was the most important thing on earth to him.

A service to celebrate his life is set for 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, in the Island Creek Baptist Church in Rose Hill, with interment to follow in Riverview Memorial Park.  Family will greet friends at a visitation on December 26, 2023, at 6:00 till 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Padgett Funeral & Cremation Services in Wallace.