Emerson Carroll "Pete" Blanton

Emerson Carroll Blanton

It is with saddened hearts we announce the home going of Emerson Carroll Blanton lovingly known as Pete. He closed his eyes and opened them in the arms of Jesus his savior on October 29, 2024.

Pete had many pleasures in his life besides his family, one being a member of Ochre Hill Baptist church. He loved to sing and had a beautiful tenor voice and sang in a few quartets throughout the years. He loved going to gospel singings but took special joy in going to hear and support his son’s singing group he’d even drive their bus.

He loved going to McDonalds every morning to the “gang”. They laughed and told jokes, discussed local events and politics in which he was a proud Democrat. Gene Brown was his lifelong best friend, and they had many fun adventures. He loved all animals, and they loved him. He especially loved horses and mules. He was a real joker and loved to laugh but cried just as easily. To his daughter and son, he was greatly honored.

He took great delight in his grandkids and took joy in their accomplishments and successes and to them he was “grand”. But to the great grandkids he was beyond “grand” he was “beloved”. He made a difference to many in the time that God gave him.

He was united in heaven with his parents Delos and Mamie Blanton and his sister Myrtice McMahan and a great grandson Emory.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years Margaret Estes Blanton, and children Lanee (Monty) Ward and Carroll Blanton Jr. (Cheryl) He was Papaw to Drew (Ashley) Ward, Jade (Mitchell) Rathbone, Amber (Jared) Stevens and Samantha Blanton. He was Papaw Pete to Harley and Hudson Stevens, Aliya Ward, Asher and Emma Rathbone. He was an honorary granddad to Ronnie, Jody and Slade Sloan.

He is also survived by brothers Curtis and Delos Blanton Jr (Nancy) and brother-in-law Ted McMahan. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A celebration of life for Pete will be held on Saturday November 2, 2024, at Ochre Hill Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00pm prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Ochre Hill Baptist Church Mission Team. Donations can be mailed to Ochre Hill Baptist Church at 14 Norman Drive. Sylva NC. 28779

Arrangements are in the care of Appalachian Funeral Service. An online registry is available at www.appachianfuneralservices.com