C.J. Blanton Jr. 79, passed away on Thursday, March 8 at his home in Madison. Blanton was born August 10, 1938, in Sirmans, Fl. to C.J Blanton Sr. and Ruby Smith Blanton.
Blanton was a member of Unity Baptist Church where he served in many capacities. He graduated from Greenville High School and attended Lively Technical School in Tallahassee. He was also in the Army Reserve for ten years. He retired from the Department of Transportation (DOT) in 1993 after 33 years. In 1981, while still working at DOT he started C.J. Blanton Jr. & Sons Inc. outdoor power equipment sales and service and also raised hogs. Then, in 2001, he opened Blanton's Longleaf Container Nursery in addition to farming peas, peanuts, and cotton.
Blanton was preceded in death by his father, Calvin J. Blanton Sr.; his mother, Ruby Smith Blanton; his brother, Clyde Blanton; and sister Betty Sharp.
He is survived by his wife of 52 and a half years, Betty Harris Blanton; two sons: C.J. “Jay” (Christy) Blanton III and Jason (Victoria) Blanton; two brothers: Ozzie Blanton and Robert (Carol) Blanton; and one sister, Ouida (Tommy) Williams; as well as three grandchildren: Noah Blanton, Josiah Blanton and Skyler Blanton.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 11, at Beggs Funeral Home Chapel, in Madison. Visitation was held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Internment followed at Hanson United Methodist Church Cemetery, in Hanson.