Roland Abraham Blanton, 89, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, friends and loved ones on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

He was born in Sylva and graduated from Sylva-Webster High School.  Afterwards, he served in the Army where he was stationed at Forts Gordon, Lee and Jackson. He attended WCU.

He was employed, in his early twenties, by DuPont as a maintenance mechanic and settled nearby into the Penrose/Blantyre community where he built a house for his young family. Known for his strong work ethic and strength he earned the nickname "Bear Blanton" from co-workers for being able to open large pipe valves bare-handed. He retired after 36 years and took up woodworking making cabinets, furniture and keepsakes for friends.

Roland was a longtime member of Pisgah Forest Baptist church. Prior to that he was a Deacon, Choir director and longtime member of Enon Baptist Church. Growing up he attended Ochre Hill Baptist Church. His great-great grandfather founded Oak Grove Methodist Church in Ellenboro, NC. He and his wife Jean loved gospel music, singing and making a joyful noise unto the Lord.

He provided for his family by growing a large garden and canning and raising pork and beef on his small farm when free from his regular job. He loved the outdoors, often going camping, fishing and hunting with friends and family. Roland loved attending various sporting events, especially Sylva-Webster, Brevard High and WCU football games. He lived life to the fullest.

Roland was a devout Christian and devoted husband of 68 years to the love of his life, Jean Holden Blanton of Cullowhee and a loving father of Kenneth and Joel Blanton. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Ben Blanton and great-grandfather to Silas Blanton, Westley, Danny, Jacob and Nora Boyer. He was also a dearly loved uncle and in-law to many in the Holden family. He is preceded in death by his father Posey and mother Julia Cope Blanton, his brothers Robert and Ransom, his sisters Emma Lou and Marion. He is survived by his wife Jean, sons Kenneth (Elaine) Blanton of Asheville, Joel (Sherry) Blanton of Sylva, grandson Ben Blanton of Franklin and great-grandson Silas Blanton. He is also survived by his step grandchildren Clay (Amber) Boyer and great-grandchildren Jacob and Nora Boyer of Pittsboro, NC, Ted (Amy) Boyer and great-grandchildren Westley and Daniel Boyer of Asheville NC.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at noon at Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM at Pisgah Forest Baptist Church with a reception in the fellowship hall afterwards.

Memorials may be made to Broyhill Children's Home, 111 Sneed Dr., Clyde, NC 28721.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.