Les Blanton

Captain Les Blanton, 67, died February 5th at Northside Cherokee Hospital after a short, but intense battle with Covid-19 subsequent to beginning chemo treatments for Multiple Myeloma cancer.

He was born on June 14, 1954, and is the son of L.D. and Ruby Blanton. He is survived by his wife, Lori, and three children, Tabitha, Gregory, and Tiffany. He also had seven loving grandchildren: Hayden, Noah, Abigail, Lillyanna, Edward, Lydia, and Ezra. He also leaves behind his mother, Ruby, and two brothers, Timothy and Scott, and their families.

Les was a veteran of the Vietnam War era and was always very proud of his service to our nation. He first served in the United States Army as an attack helicopter pilot, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2. He later commissioned as a United States Marine Corps aviator where he primarily flew KC-130s. He retired from the Reserves after 17 years of military service, moving on to serve as a drug Air Interdiction Agent with the United State Customs Service.

Les was very studious, earning multiple degrees, including a Bachelor's of Aeronautics at Embry-Riddle University and a Master's of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, which he earned after answering the call to the ministry following his military career. Les shepherded several churches and thoroughly enjoyed preaching evangelistic messages, sharing the Gospel and the call to Salvation.

Parnick Jennings Funeral Home in Cartersville, Georgia will host services Tuesday, February 22nd with visitation at 10am and the funeral service at 11am. Interment will immediately follow at the Georgia National Cemetery with Military Honors given by the Cherokee Veteran's Community.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made towards the funeral costs. Donations can be made by calling the funeral home at 770-382-0034.