Clarence Blanton, Sr

Clarence Hugh Blanton, Sr., age 77, of Midland, N.C., died Saturday, June 27, 2009, at 15825 Hwy 601 in Midland, N.C. after suffering a long illness. Blanton, Sr. was self employed. He was known to many as "True Blue Hugh". He was born March 10, 1932 in Gaffney, SC. Mr. Blanton attended Gaffney High School and a trade school in Columbia, SC. He started as a mechanic and later became a proprietor of several service stations and music stores. He had a gift for serving people, and was loved by many of his customers. His final days were in his home with his daughter and son-in-law in Midland, NC. He loved playing and singing country and gospel music and invited others to share in his passion for music. His second passion was fishing. His wit and humor and love for his family will be dearly missed. . . He had a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews. The family wants to acknowledge their appreciation for Mr. Blanton's special friend and caregiver, Chassidy Helms. He was the son of the late Otis Blanton and the late Lillie (Parris) Blanton. He is survived by his Two Daughters, Daughter-Beth McLamb and husband, Sam of Midland, N.C. Daughter-Vickie Petty of Charlotte, N.C. Two Sons, Son-Hugh "Tuff" Blanton, Jr. and wife, Tammy of Charlotte, N.C. Son-Gary "Pete" Blanton and wife, Robyn of Charlotte, N.C. He is also survived by a brother Ed Blanton of Conway, SC and two sisters Hazel McDaniel and Margaret Cudd, both of Gaffney, SC. He is survived by a previous wife and mother of his children, Pat Blanton of Monroe. He also had 8 grandchildren; Angel Kazowski, Crystal Brumbaugh, Stephanie Starnes, Angeline Kimrey, Nichole Blanton, Jamie Petty, Dayna Petty, and Derek Blanton. Braden Hugh Blanton is expected to be born in September of this year. Hugh had 11 great grandchildren who lifted his spirits when he saw them. He is also preceded in death by a special grandson Gary Alton Blanton, Jr., by two brothers Jack Blanton and Charles Blanton, his sister Lena Gallman and nephew Johnny Blanton. Arrangements are being handled by Hartsell Funeral Home - Midland, PO Box 100, Midland, N.C.Funeral service will be at Hopewell Baptist Church, 420 Hopewell Church Rd., Monroe at 5:00 PM Monday, June 29, 2009. Memorials may be sent to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.