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Edward Lee "Big Ed" Blanton was born in Sylva, North Carolina on August 13, 1940, his parent's 19th wedding anniversary. He went home to his Lord on May 7, 2015.
Big Ed was the youngest of Albert and Rachel Blanton's 7 children. The family moved to the NW in 1947 bringing him to the Skagit Valley where he spent the rest of his life.
In 1958 Ed graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School. On March 4, 1961 Judy Noble made an honest man out of him and they began their family soon after. Together they raised their son and 3 daughters, as well as many foster children.
Ed was gifted with a natural talent for music; singing and playing guitar by the age of 6, and he could find his way around any instrument he thought to pick up. Music was his great joy and the way he served his God; playing in bluegrass, country and gospel bands over the years. Ed was at his happiest when he was playing music with his family and friends, whether it be on stage or out on the back porch.
Car racing was another love of Dad's. "Tarheel Ed" began at the local tracks, putting together cars with his friends. It was a passion that he passed onto his son and grandkids.
Ed was very involved in the community and proud of his hometown. He briefly served on the Sedro-Woolley City Council and was often among those that place the Christmas tree in town square. Every day of his life was spent working hard, sometimes 16 hour days, to support his family or watch their games or concerts. Above all things he was an honorable man and a true friend, always the first one to lend a helping hand for someone in need. Ed raised his family to always do their best, to love with an open heart. Although our loss is great, Big Ed is in his eternal home and finally able to rest.
Ed is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judy, also affectionately known as "Butch"; his 4 children and their spouses, Jeff and Teri Blanton, Marlie Blanton and Rich Post, Randie and Pete DeVries and Rachel Blanton; his grandchildren, PJ and his wife Sharayah DeVries, Landon Todd, Lucas Blanton, Kaalen Blanton, Mitch Todd, Tyler Post, Elizabeth DeVries, Cameron Post, Alison Blanton, and Dominick Armenta; his great-grandson, Jethro; sister, Louise Buchanan; brother, Earnest Blanton; sister-in-law, Arvella Blanton; special life-long friend, Doyle Guffie; special sister-in- law, Bonnie Kay Cook; brothers-in-law, Ted and Bud Noble; grandsons in his heart, Logan Noble and Wes Jones; his dog Lilly, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear true friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Earl Blanton; sisters, Vergi Mae Hansen, Inez Henry and Polly Wyatt; father and mother-in-law Richard & Bunnie Noble; sister-in-law, Betty Blanton; brothers-in-law Henry Buchanan, Preston Henry, Dick Noble and Jerry Cook.
The family requests memorial donations be given to the Darrington Bluegrass Association.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Lemley Chapel on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 1:00 PM. A fellowship will follow at the S-W Eagles. Throw on your hickory shirt and come and celebrate Big Ed. And the music plays on . . .
Share memories of Ed and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1:37 AM 3/9/2023 Finishing a video for an album "Ed Blanton's Guitar". Came here to get his dates of birth and death. The tribute to Ed, this album can be found on youtube with a video soon to follow. A great man.
Jay Follman
Friend
March 9, 2023
i was so sorry to hear about ed,he was a good musician friend of chuck.
Bettie Andrews Martin
June 3, 2015
Judy: We were so sorry to hear about Ed. Will be keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Joan & Dave Andrews
Joan Andrews
May 30, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Kevin, Melinda, Ashley & Nona Loy
May 15, 2015
WE WERE SO SAD TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF ONE OF OUR FAVORITE PEOPLE...ED WAS VERY SPECIAL AND WE WILL MISS HIM VERY MUCH. DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU JUDY AND FAMILY. LOVE CHARLES & JEAN
May 15, 2015
Dear Judy and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Ed was truly one of the best. Always so kind.
Keeping you all in my heart and prayers.
Gina Carlson Williams
May 14, 2015
I met Big Ed as a young child.He worked at my dad's gas station in town.My dad would help him out with his race cars.I remember going to Monroe Sky Valley and Skagit.He always called me Pegaleg, and he carried on with the nicknames for my daughters Nickle and Pickle(Nicole and Megan).To the family, he was the greatest and we loved him dearly.He will be missed by all.
Mike and Peggy (Betschart) Shelley.
Peggy Shelley
May 13, 2015
What a guy. Big "Ed" you will be missed.
From Hi School until now...The best to
your family.....
Bud an Nancy Bates
May 13, 2015
So saddened to hear of Ed's passing. Ed and his family shared good times camping with my mom and dad. They sure had fun laughing and telling stories. Ed will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Our prayers the thoughts go out to his family.
Debra Heitman- Louden
May 12, 2015
Big Ed u will be missed. U always had a smile on your face when I saw you no matter if u were building racecars or sitting in the shop watching the races on sunday afternoon. U are one of the nicest people I ever met and u will be missed my many. R.I.P. my friend, u will never be forgotten.
josh lloyd
May 12, 2015
I first met Ed (and Judy) when he was racing up at Skagit Speedway. I baby sat their kids occasionally. I saw him one day at the grocery store and even after 40 years he still recognized me. I will miss his smile and kindness. My Condolences to his family.
Mary Mulrooney
May 11, 2015
I have known Ed and Blanton family since we were young boys. Love and prayers go out to Judy and the whole family.
Keith Fisher
May 11, 2015
Sorry to hear about Ed. He was a really nice person.
Ron and Nancy Eliassen
Bonners Ferry, Idaho
Ron and Nancy Eliassen
May 11, 2015
Such a good friend. My very best to Ed's family, and so sorry for your loss. RIP my friend.
Mason Reiter
May 11, 2015
WILLARD MASSINGALE
May 11, 2015
What a great guy. He will be missed by many. Edward always had a happy face and great sense of humor. He was a good friend for many, many years. He will have a good time in heaven singing with all his family and friends. God Bless you Judy and all your family.
WILLARD & DEBEI MASSINGALE
May 11, 2015
Ed Blanton...lead guitarist and bass singer in the 1957 "Syncopators" from Sedro Woolley High School. Winners of the KAGT talent contest, singing "Little Darlin," What a guy. What a talent.
John Sandifer
May 10, 2015
Ed, You will always be in our hearts.
Lyle and Carol
May 10, 2015
Although we never knew Ed very well, we heard lots of great things about him through the years from family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and I know that Ed will be greatly missed by his family and friends. I(Kathy)worked with Ted at Western Gear.
Hal & Kathy Olander
May 8, 2015
This is heart breaking. Ed was such a dear friend to my dad. I have a photo of Ed, my dad, and Earl Scruggs together back stage at the Seattle Opry House in 1965. I remember Ed and Judy at every music gathering from the Tarheel picnic at the Everett Forest Park to the Seattle Folklife Festivals in Seattle to the Pioneer Hall in Arlington, the Bluegrass Festivals in Darrington and many others. I just saw Ed and Judy at my mothers funeral last year, Ed looked as good as he always did and this comes as a shock to me. We are only sixteen years apart and Ed left this earth way too soon. My love and heart goes out to Judy, their children and grandchildren for the loss of this kind gentle soul from Sylva North Carolina. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Your Friend Jim McFalls.
Jim McFalls
May 8, 2015
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