David Carter Blanton
December 30, 2022
CHARLOTTE – David Carter Blanton, 73, passed away in Charlotte, North Carolina on Friday, December 30, 2022. He was born September 5, 1949, in El Reno, Oklahoma, son to Willard Barch Blanton and Greta Elizabeth Carter Blanton.
David was a graduate of El Reno High School, class of 1967, where he was Student Council President, Senior Class President, and band Drum Major. He continued his education at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and was a member of Pi Kappa Phi. He enlisted in the United States Navy upon graduation in 1971.
David proudly served in the United States Navy six years as an aviator and was assigned to the VF 11 Red Rippers F4 Phantom ll squadron stationed at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He completed an eight-month Mediterranean cruise aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Forrestal. While in Virginia Beach he met his wife Julie Cathryn Primm, an educator. They were married October 25, 1975, at the Naval Air Station Oceana Chapel.
Upon honorably finishing his Navy commitment, David moved with Julie to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was employed by Rexham Corporation, continuing there through several changes of ownership as scheduler, purchasing agent, quality control manager, and converting manager. In all, David worked in the printing and packaging industry for 28 years before retiring. Afterward, he enjoyed working part time at Discovery Place for several years.
A lifelong Methodist, David was an active member of SouthPark Church, formerly known as Sharon United Methodist Church, for over 40 years and was known for his sense of humor. He belonged to the Methodist Men, the men’s prayer breakfast group, and the men’s bridge club. He loved music and enjoyed singing as a member of the church choir. David had a beautiful voice and was a member of the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte, the official chorus of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
A proud family man, David was devoted to his wife and children, Matt and Cat. David and Julie loved to travel and visited many places in the US and around the world during their marriage. David was an avid reader and crossword puzzle enthusiast. He loved golf and was ever ready to play a round of golf with friends and family. He always looked forward to attending golf school in Austin, Texas with family and had the thrill of a lifetime on his golf trip to Europe.
David will be remembered by all who knew him and the world of those who loved him is forever changed with his passing. He will always be loved and missed.
He is survived by his cherished wife of 47 years, Julie; son, Matthew Blanton; daughter, Cathryn Blanton Francis and her husband, John; grandson, Drake Francis. Also surviving are his brother, Robert Blanton and his wife, Elizabeth, and sister, Janice Blanton.
A celebration of David’s life will be held 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at SouthPark Church followed by military honors. The family will receive friends at the church after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in David’s memory to the church he loved, SouthPark Church, 3151 Apex Dr., Suite 100, Charlotte, NC, 28211.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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My cousin was such a dear to me! I loved seeing him in El Reno and doing the fun things that you do as kids. He took me to the OSU/OU game in Stillwater one Thanksgiving and I have never been that cold in my life!. His cars windshield was iced over and this Okie got a coke and poured it all of the windshield and off we went safely! I miss his smile, humor and kind heart. Thinking about him and know he is at peace now. Your loving cousin, Karen.
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Dear Julie,
We are so sorry to hear of David's passing. Allen enjoyed getting to know him while David was with Rexham. You and David were also the first people to welcome us when we moved to Charlotte in the early 1980s. David was such a gentle and kind person and we know he will be missed. May God's peace and love comfort you in this difficult time.
Love, Linda & Allen Behrle -
David and I shared many good times in the Oratorio Singers. May he Rest in Peace.
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To Julie and family and Janice and Bobby, David and I were classmates at El Reno Jr High through High School. We had many classes together and shared many fond memories at EHS. David was one of the kindest, sweetest and funniest people ever! Everyone liked and respected him. He was a gentleman, a scholar, an athlete, a leader and a friend. He was also a very talented artist and used to draw the cutest pictures on notes. He and my husband were both on the EHS golf team as well. We are so very sorry to learn of David’s passing and send our deepest sympathy. He was such a wonderful person. I know he will be missed by all of his loved ones but he will never be forgotten by all of us here in El Reno who knew and loved him.
Sincerely
Fletcher and Dianne Handley -
Andy and I have fond memories of our "growing up in El Reno" with David. God speed the mending of the broken hearts of his loved ones.
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Although we didn't know k
Although we didn't know David personally, we were good friends with his parents. Please accept our sincere sympathy. -
Farewell, cousin! Fondly I remember visiting you and your dear family in El Reno whilst a youngster. The cave you dug in the backyard and the puzzle box you made. In later years you visited at Mom’s when we were out and you made yourself a sandwich from the leftover roast beef you found in the fridge, not knowing it was past it’s date and intended for our dog.
I loved hearing to sing a beautiful solo at your parent’s funeral.
Rest in peace, cousin. Love to your family
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