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BLANTON, Ellis W.,
76, of Louisville, passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2017.
Born August 10, 1941 in Pikeville, KY, to the late Ellis and Fayetta Blanton, he retired from Baptist Hospital East as the Staff Supervisor, Clinical Manager, Assistant Director and Director of Radiology. After retiring from Baptist Hospital he went on to teach the Radiology Program at St. Catharine College for over fourteen years. Ellis also worked briefly for United Health Works and Speed Art Museum. He was a graduate of Louisville Male, Kentucky Baptist Hospital School of Radiologic Technology and U of L where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees. His memberships included KSRT, ASRT, where he was very active in several committees, life-time membership award and received the "Olive Bell Lecturer" Award from KSRT, and was the founding President and received the life-time membership award from KSNMT. Ellis was appointed by Governor Beshear to the KY Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board, where he was one of the original members and was also appointed a KY Colonel.
Ellis cherished his time working at Baptist Hospital, loved his time spent at St. Catharine College, loved all University of Louisville sports, and was known to all for his kindness, character, and faith.
He, along with his wife, have been members of Bethany Baptist Church for over 42 years, where he served on committees, was a Deacon, Sunday School teacher and Church Moderator.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jack and Timothy Blanton; sister, Kathy Blanton Forden; in-laws, Top and Alice Cunningham; and nephews, Travis and Tanor Morrison.
He is survived by his loving and supportive wife and best friend, Shirley D. Blanton; children, Jonathan "Jay" Blanton (Carla) and Kelley Blanton Davenport (Byron); very special granddaughter, Lily Beth Sampley; sisters, Judy Willett (Mike), Kimberly Hudgins (David), Linda Morrison (Joey); sisters-in-law, Laura and Phyllis Blanton; brothers-in-law, Larry T. Cunningham (Pam), Jimmie C. Cunningham (Cherri), and Rick Forden; many wonderful nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Milo.
His funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Rd. with entombment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Friday at Highlands.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the "I Love Bethany" Fund at Bethany Baptist Church or the Dominican Sisters of Peace-Mother House in St. Catharine, KY (for trees).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Courier-Journal.
I will remember Ellis always! We both worked at Baptist Hospital in Louisville for a long time! He was a fellow co-worker and a friend as well. He was a very knowledgeable man and a very friendly one as well! He and Shirley were truly remarkable people! I truly hope Shirley and her family are doing well!!! /Debbie Marks
Debbie Marks RN
Coworker
August 20, 2019
It is because of Ellis and Shirley that I am here today. A lifetime ago my father Bruce Martin Sr's friend (Ellis) introduced my mother (Shirley's friend) Rita Marie Mitchell (both in the nursing program). Since August 5th 1970 I can say without a doubt it is because of Ellis (and Shirley) I am writing this memory. My thoughts go out to the Blanton family. Words cannot express to you how much Ellis (and Shirley) have meant to my parents. The person may be gone but the ripples Ellis made in the world will be felt forever. Bruce Martin JrBorn August 5th 1970 Louisville Baptist Hospital
Bruce Martin Jr
August 26, 2017
Our deepest sympathy.Ellis you will be missed.
Daryl & Meredith Ottman
August 26, 2017
I went to xray school at Kentucky Baptist Hospital 71-73. I loved Ellis. He was the kindest man I have known. He made my learning so much easier. He will be greatly missed. I am much better for knowing him.
Janet Rembold
August 25, 2017
I always enjoyed talking to him at our class reunion. He was a very personal guy. We are praying for you as you start your life without him.
Margaret Thomas
August 25, 2017
Hi Shirley, just heard about Ellis--so, so sorry to hear he passed away. You and your children are in our prayers for strength and guidance. Blessing, Margaret & Clarence
August 25, 2017
Shirley, Ellis was a wonderful person with a huge heart. I am sure he will be missed by so many. May you come to understand that he is heaven with his creator and enjoying the fruits of his past life. God Bless him and you. Bobbie Young
August 25, 2017
Shirley: My deepest sympathy to you and your family . Having worked at Baptist Hospital for so long,I came to regard Ellis as a friend,as did so many! He was so caring to both patient and staff!! He would always take time to stop and talk to you whenever he passed you in the hall,no matter what he was doing! I don't think I ever passed him when he didn't flash a big smile! It was definitely my honor and privilege to have known and worked with him and you! My prayers are with you all as you begin to cope with your great loss.! We now have our biggest "Cardinal" supporter in heaven! / Debbie Marks RN
Debbie Marks
August 25, 2017
Ellis Blanton was an excellent brother. He was a Godly man, an all around kind and gentle person with a loving heart! He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. He certainly made the world a better, happier place. He always showed kindness. Ellis was a true gentleman. He was an example of Christs love and shared His truth.
Kimberley Hudgins
August 25, 2017
Shirley, we are saddened by Ellis' passing. We have enjoyed both of you so much over the years. We are thinking of you and your family and friends at this time.
Ellen and Mike Potter
Ellen Potter
August 24, 2017
Shirley and family,
I am so very sorry to hear that Ellis passed away. The two of you have been an item since we were in nursing school and I have no words to express how sad to loose your husband and best friend of so many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Alma Wood Price
August 24, 2017
There has never been a more kind or gentle soul than Ellis. I remember the first time I met him. It was my first day of x-ray school. He came into the classroom and spoke with us. He had on a white lab coat and I thought he was a doctor! I was so impressed by him and I continued to be amazed as I worked for him and along side him for 37 years. He taught me so very much and I am forever grateful to him for his guidance, leadership, mentoring and most importantly his friendship. I would not be where I am today professionally without his help. I was truly blessed to have known Ellis and I know he is rejoicing in heaven with the angels. Rest easy dear friend until we meet again.
August 24, 2017
We have been very privileged to be members of Ellis's Sunday School class for almost fifteen years, to have had him in our lives, and to have been visiting with him and his family about one hour before he went to be with God.
Larry and Marilyn Anderson
August 24, 2017
Ellis was the absolute best Sunday School teacher and one of the very best deacons at Bethany Baptist Church, where we are all missing him terribly, but we release him into the Lord's hands.
Marilyn Anderson
August 24, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
August 24, 2017
Ellis was truly a gift to all of us that knew him. We always enjoyed having you both around.
Becky Thomas & Team
August 24, 2017
Ellis was undoubtedly one of the finest men I've ever known. He is a big part of what made Baptist Hospital such a great place. Kind, gentle, caring, and kind are the words that come to mind. He has left the world a better place simply by being who he was. Prayers for his family and gratitude for the gift of his life and the privilege of knowing him.
Bob Cunningham
August 24, 2017
God Bless the Blanton family with Peace in the knowledge that Ellis is enjoying the embrace of Jesus. Rest in the Hope of enjoying it with him one day.
Tim Chilton
August 24, 2017
Shirley, sorry to hear about Ellis, my prayers are with you and your family.
John Lockard
August 24, 2017
Shirley and family, I'm so sorry to learn of the passing of your loved one. May God bless you and your family in this time of grief.
Dotty Harper
August 23, 2017
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