Wednesday, February 13, 2013 9:50 am

Mr. Willard Ray Blanton, 59, of Shelby, passed away Sunday, February 10, 2013 at Hospice of Cleveland County at Wendover. A native of Cleveland County, the son of the late J.Y. Blanton and Ola Bingham Blanton. He worked as a truck driver for most of his life and had also served in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Blanton loved fishing, working on lawn mowers, gardening and being outside.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Carolyn Blanton and Mary Mode; one brother-in-law, Robert Moore.

He is survived by his son, Curtis Blanton and wife Cindy of Mooresboro; one daughter, Sheila Pruett and husband Daniel of Mooresboro; two sisters, Sarah “Lib” Moore of Earl and Susie Honeyman and husband Harold of Shelby; one brother, David Blanton and wife Christina of Shelby; three grandchildren, Robert Pete Blanton, Dylan Ray Pruett and Mason James Pruett. He was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 12, 2013 from 6:00 until 7:30PM

                   At Cleveland Funeral Services and Crematory

Funeral  Service: 11:00 AM, Wednesday at Cleveland Funeral Services Chapel 

Officiating:  Rev. Buddy Morehead
Burial:  Cleveland Memorial Park  

Memorials: Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150

Family Headquarters: 812 Sandy Run Church Rd., Mooresboro, NC 28114

Funeral Home:   Cleveland Funeral Services and Crematory