Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

July 17, 2026

FORT MILL, SC – Ray Blanton (he always went by his middle name) died Friday, July 17, 2026, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis, NC after a brief illness.  He was surrounded by his wife and children, who will deeply miss his gentle nature, endless good humor, and loving support.

Ray was the youngest of five children born to the late Clyde and Muriel “Merl” Blanton, of Nichols, S.C.  While he had ambitions that called him away from farm life, he treasured the rural upbringing that shaped his character: its simpler pleasures, respect for the land, and stalwart values. 

Ray attended trade school for the printing industry.  He became a partner and then owner of Custom Printers and Design Graphix in Charlotte, N.C., a successful off-set press, copy center and bindery business for decades, until industry trends and the shift to digital communications led to its closing.  Ray was consistently easy-going but never idle.  He managed the print and copy center at UNC Charlotte from 2011 – 2020, then downshifted into semi-retirement, working part-time at local home improvement centers.

Ray loved to travel.  It was worth the sacrifice of taking on extra work to expose his children to more of the world than he got to see growing up.  Later, he and his wife, Patty, continued to enjoy trips and cruises, often accompanied by their adult children, extended family members and friends.  They were great company to each other and delightful travel companions.   

More than anything, Ray was a devoted husband and dedicated father. He was sweet and steady, encouraging and trustworthy.  He provided his family with security, stability, and vacations that reaped priceless memories.  He supported his children’s interests with opportunities and an enthusiastic cheering section.  Ray was boatloads of fun.  He was generous with his affection, he showed up for his friends, and notoriously “talked across the table” while playing cards, which he insisted was close, but not exactly cheating.

Those who had the good fortune to know Ray will not forget his genuine kindness, his warmth and the way he listened with his full attention.  He thought before he spoke and made people feel important because they were important to him.  He was a man who would laugh with the unmistakable cackle of a joyous spirit.

Ray is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patricia Mann Blanton; children, Ryan Blanton (Jonathan Allred), Chris Blanton, Brittany Morgan-Blanton (Chrissy Morgan-Blanton) and sister, Carolyn Johnston.  He also leaves behind a large extended family, many, many friends and Friends-Who-He-Made-Family. 

A service to celebrate Ray’s life will be held at 2:30 PM on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Belk Chapel, 2287 Radcliffe Ave, Charlotte, NC.  The family will receive friends following the service in Queen’s Hall across from the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Ray to: The National Pancreas Foundation. PO Box 750046, Atlanta, GA 30374 (https://pancreasfoundation.org/ways-to-give/general-donation/).

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.