Rupert (Bill) Blanton
Rupert (Bill) Blanton, 90, of Forest City, passed away Friday, December 29, 2017, at Oak Grove Health Center.
Rupert was born March 11, 1927, and was the son of the late Clay and Laura Canipe Blanton of Ellenboro.
He graduated Wake Forest University and obtained his PhD in Education from UNC at Greensboro. He was also a Navy veteran.
Rupert owned and operated his family’s livermush business, Blanton’s Livermush, after the death of his father. However, the majority of his career was spent in education. He taught at high schools in SC and NC, and was principal at Chase Alternative High School.
Rupert was a longstanding and faithful member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church. He was a passionate leader and teacher in his church’s congregation. He served as deacon, Sunday school teacher and pianist for numerous years. Rupert had a thirst for knowledge and read his newspapers and magazines daily, along with watching the nightly news and his beloved Jeopardy.
In addition to his parents, Rupert was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Katie Blanton, and brother, Robert (Bob) Blanton. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Donna and Lee Matthews of Tifton, GA, and Neil and Annette Blanton of Oak Ridge, NC; grandson, Blake Matthews of Tifton, GA; and brother, Jean Blanton of Midlothian, VA; along with nieces and nephews.
A family graveside service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at crowemortuary.com.