George E. "Butch" Blanton

George E. “Butch” Blanton, age79, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Medina Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Butch was born in Jackson, TN on November 22, 1946, to the late George and Margie Blanton. He grew up in the Westover Community. He was a 1964 graduate of North Side High School, then joined the U.S. Air Force, service during the Vietnam Conflict. He graduated from the TN Law Enforcement Academy basic police training, criminal and arson investigation, and was a state certified polygraph examiner. He was employed by the State of Tennessee and Jackson Police Department for a total of 21 years. He then retired from Union University Safety and Security as an Associate Director in 2008, after 13 years.

Butch was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved to spend his days outdoors in nature. He was also a great builder, and could build anything with his hands. He had a beloved black Labrador retriever, Mike, that he loved dearly. Mike preceded him in death and his cremated remains will be placed in the casket with Butch. That way, they will always be together. As a man of faith, Butch was a member of West Jackson Baptist Church for several years.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 52 years, Sally Vaughan Blanton; three children, Jeff Blanton (Ana) of Murfreesboro, TN, Melissa Miller of Whitsett, NC, and Jason Blanton (Mary) of Spring Creek, TN; seven grandchildren, Emily Blanton, Taylor Blanton (Contessa), Tyler Blanton (Brittany), Jaden Blanton, Zaina Blanton, Lauren Rabbitt (Christian), and Rachel Miller; and one great-granddaughter, Raegan Blanton.

A funeral service to celebrate Butch’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2026, in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors. Bro. Bob Gibson will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. The burial will follow the service at Highland Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers include: Brandon Blankenship, Sam Bryant, Michael Clifft, Mike Hurt, Randy Lampley, and John Whybrew. Honorary pallbearers include: Carney Clifft and Rex Curry.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at stjude.org/donate.