Zeke Blanton

Zeke Blanton, age 27, of Forest City, passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2016. He was born in Cleveland County on Friday, August 26, 1988 and was a graduate of East Rutherford High, class of 2007. He graduated with honors, ranking fifth in his class. Baseball does not define who Zeke was, but it was his game and a large part of his young life. Among his many accomplishments during his years at East Rutherford High, were playing on two State Baseball Championships in the years 2004 and 2007. The 2007 baseball team ranked eleventh in the nation by USA Today. Zeke was named MVP of the 2A State Championship and in the same year of 2007 earned an Honorable Mention for Louisville Slugger Prep All-American. In 2006, he was honored as a Wendy's Heisman Trophy candidate. Zeke finished his high school baseball as career leader in hits. He later was inducted into the East Rutherford High School Sports Hall of Fame. Zeke played baseball for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Gardner-Webb University. He received his undergraduate degree from Gardner-Webb and, after graduation; he continued studies in pursuit of an engineering degree. He was a young man of fine character, love, kindness and respect for others.
Proceeding in death are Zeke's grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Lovelace and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Blanton and one aunt, Mrs. Kay Blanton.
Surviving are his parents, Dr. Sam and Mrs. Wanda Lovelace Blanton of Forest City, North Carolina; brother, Dr. Nathan Blanton of Las Vegas, Nevada; sister, Mrs. Greta Walker and husband, Chuck, of Rutherfordton, and one nephew, South Walker, of Rutherfordton, North Carolina; extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 3, 2016 at the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church with Reverend Dr. Jesse Keaton conducting the service. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall immediately following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the East Rutherford High Baseball Equipment Fund, Attn: Betty Smith, PO Box 668, Forest City, NC 28043 or to Pleasant Grove UMC, PO Box 880, Forest City, NC 28043.