SPRUCE PINE, N.C. — Christopher “Chris” Blanton, age 61, of Spruce Pine passed away Saturday, October 1st, 2022, at Johnson City Medical Center in Tennessee. He was the son of the late Mary Sybil Hardin and the late Fred Blanton.
Chris was a noble and generous spirit. He never failed to give to others selflessly. He was a strong character who never quit his duties, as he would always say, “Death before dishonor.” He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1980 to 1987 before being honorably discharged. He traveled the world and saw combat in Beirut, Lebanon.
Chris is survived by wife of 42 years, Martha Jaynes Blanton of Newland, North Carolina. They have three children: Rachel Myers (husband Heinrich) of Boise, Idaho, James Blanton (wife Gina) of Leesburg, Georgia, and Sarah Kirchens (husband Daniel) of Spruce Pine. He has seven grandchildren: Owen, Lily, Cedrick, Zoey, Liam, Charlie, and Sean.
Chris was a dedicated military enthusiast and loved to talk about combat and firearms especially. He was passionate about the outdoors, always taking his family on long hikes and drives through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Chris was a dedicated husband who loved his wife deeply and reminded her how much he loved her every chance he got.
Chris often sat at the dinner table with his children and grandchildren, and encouraged them to talk with him about science, history, and any subject they were interested in. His love of knowledge inspired them.
Family and friends are welcome to visit Chris at Webb Funeral Home in Spruce Pine. Please contact Webb Funeral Home for details. Funeral services will be held at Elk Mountain Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery in Newland in Avery County, North Carolina. Viewing will tentatively begin at 11 a.m. and end around 2 p.m. Anyone who wishes to attend is welcome to come.