Mike Blanton

Mike Blanton, 67, of Valdosta, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at his home. He was born at Fort Riley, KS on February 19, 1957 to the late Ernie, Sr. and Eloise Parker Blanton. He went to Lowndes High School before attending Georgia Tech where he was a defensive end for the Yellow Jackets football team. He was drafted to the Miami Dolphins in 1979, but would spend most of his professional career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. After football, he worked in the freight and transportation industry. He was of the Christian faith and enjoyed fishing.

Mr. Blanton is survived by his children, Michael Blanton, Jr. (Frankie), of Augusta, GA, and Amanda Verdin (Ty), of Alpharetta, GA; his former wife Jennifer Blanton, of Atlanta, GA; his siblings, Ernie E. (Jake) Blanton, Jr. and his wife Priscilla, of Lake Park, GA, G. Daniel Tyson and his wife Tonya, of Richmond Hill, GA, Mary Lou DeLoach, of Navasota, TX, Beth T. Vickers and her husband Rick, of Dixie, GA; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his brother, David L. Blanton.

A private memorial service will be held in Atlanta at a later date. Online condolences may be shared on the obituary page at www.mclanecares.com.