Thomas Henry Blanton Sr.

Thomas Henry Blanton Sr., died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 at the age of 83, at the Brookdale Assisted Living in Columbus, Ohio. He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather and friend. Thomas was born on March 15, 1933 in Rock Hill, S.C. and was raised as a son by his uncle and adopted father, Willie Lee Blanton in Boiling Springs. He received his high school diploma from Green's Bethel High School in Boiling Springs. In 1956, Thomas graduated with his Bachelor of Arts from North Carolina Central University, formerly known as North Carolina College at Durham. He served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. He also served in the United States Army Reserves. In 1958, Thomas married Ramona Gray Brooks, his college sweetheart and moved to Mount Vernon, N.Y. They remained married for several years and had three children, Alethea, Alison and Thomas Jr. (deceased). Thomas worked for New York City Department of Social Services as a social worker for over 20 years. Ramona went home to be with Jesus on Nov. 24, 2009. On May 19, 1984 Thomas was remarried to Helen Louise Guerrant. They lived initially in Cambria Heights, Queens, N.Y. Affectionately known as Poppa, they were both loved by their blended family. In 1992 after their retirement, they moved to Ocala, Fla. Helen and Tommy, as his friends called him, joined Our Savior Lutheran Church where they were active in the choir and community service. Tommy was a member of the American Legion, the Community Patrol and the Save the Manatee Club. He loved gardening and was an avid fisherman. Helen and Tommy were together for nearly 27 years, until her passing on May 6, 2011. After this, Thomas moved to be close to his daughter Alethea and her family in Columbus, Ohio at the Worthington Senior Independent Apartments and later to Brookdale Assisted Living. Thomas is survived from his first marriage by his daughters, Alethea Gray and Alison Joy, as well as son-in-law, Basil Morris; grandchildren, Carlton, Amari, Tyshawn, Thomas and Shalya; and great-grandchildren, Teeshani, Alizah, Teenickia, Kiyah, Shaliyah, Arielle and Ahniyah. He was predeceased by his father, Willie; son, Thomas, Jr.; and brothers, James and Johnny. He is also survived from his marriage to Helen by stepchildren and in-laws, Hershel, Narda (deceased), Keith, Deborah, Deitra, Shirley, Lesley, Cherise; and grandchildren, Hershel III, Calvin (Tyshawn), Keisha, Khilee, Terrell, Jamel, Monique, Asia, Christopher, Anita, Daniel, Dominique, Keith, Angelica, Shalear, Hazella and Chauncey; and three great-grandchildren, Zayden, Amaree and Khilah. Thomas also had children from other relationships, Diane Blanton, Chris Blanton and Dawn Martin, the mother of granddaughter, Leylee Wright. His final resting place will be the Salisbury National Cemetery. Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home, Inc is serving the family.