Jackie Bert Blanton

Jackie Bert Blanton, 81, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Hortense Blanton; his grandson, Hunter Trey Jones; his parents, Loyal N Blanton and Jessie Lee Blanton.
He is survived by son, Tim Blanton; daughter, Leah Blanton Jones and Brent; grandchildren, Blanton Livingston Jones, Riley Jane Jones, and Peyton Jones and Jacque; great-granddaughter, Jordan Hunter Jones.
Jack was born in the community of Pleasant Valley located on Lookout Mountain. After marrying and the birth of their first child, Jack and Hortense (Mary) moved to Collinsville, where they attended Collinsville Baptist Church and lived as active members of the community. He was known to be a horseman and for his talents in blacksmithing, as many people from around the Southeast brought their horses to him for highly customized farrier work. He loved all animals and had a way of being with them like no other. Jack worked and retired from "the steel plant" in Gadsden after 39 years of dedicated service. He never met a stranger and always had a pocket knife or two in his pocket ready to make a trade deal. In 2006, the Blantons moved to Crossville, where they were able to live near their grandchildren and have meaningful and lasting impacts on their lives. Their names were forever changed to Granna and Pappy. After losing his wife of 54 years in 2015 and especially after losing his little buddy Hunter in 2017, Jack lost the pep in his step.
"We lost Daddy a few weeks ago when dementia overtook his mind and held him in a place far from reality," said Tim. "Leah and I were given the gift to make a choice on his behalf that allowed us to take the option of comfort care and in less than 24 hours later his struggle was over. Please take the opportunity now to have the conversation with your friends and family like Daddy did years ago so that your final wishes are known and can be carried out. It's the last gift you can give to those you love."
Leah said, "Pappy is finally at peace. His mind and his body are resting and healed and his heart is no longer broken. Unselfishly, he decided over 10 years ago to donate his entire body to science at UAB School of Medicine."
A traditional viewing and burial will be replaced with a visitation (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.) and memorial service immediately following at 2:30 p.m. to be held at Crossville First Baptist Church today.
The family request no flowers.