Richard Lee "Ricky" Blanton

Mr. Richard Lee Blanton (Ricky), age 72, of the Rover Community of Bedford County TN, went to his heavenly home Sunday, June 29, 2025 under the loving care of his family and Aveanna Hospice, after an extended illness.

A lifelong resident of Bedford County, he was born December 6, 1952 to the late Robert Franklin and Minnie Ellen Crick Blanton. In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his only brother, Thomas Carroll Blanton.

Ricky was a member of the Church of Christ, currently worshiping at Chapel Hill, where he served as a Deacon for many years and Fairlane in Shelbyville, where he served as an Elder until 2019.

A 1970 graduate of Community High School, Unionville, TN and attended MTSU in Murfreesboro. Ricky worked at Samsonite Corp, did mechanic work for several years and worked a Henry’s Cabinets before joining the Shelbyville Police Department in 1981, where he served as a Patrolman, Firearms Instructor, Field Training Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant before retiring in 2014. Serving over 28 years, he trained many officers, some of which are still with the department or have moved on to other departments.

He cherished his family, leaving behind his beloved wife of 51 years, Helen Wilhoite Blanton, a daughter Jennifer (Robert) Bowyer, a son Jason (Anita) Blanton, four grandchildren, Braden and Addison Bowyer, Peyton Blanton and Jax Reed, all of Chapel Hill, TN, nephew Wesley (Amanda) Blanton, of Rover, many special friends that he considered family and his wonderful church families who have prayed for and ministered to him during his illness.

Ricky loved everyone with the love of the Lord and brought joy and humor to everyone that knew him. He was a fierce protector, TOUGH, stubborn, quick witted, and was always ready with a joke or prank. He loved International Harvester/Farmall tractors, heading up and organizing security for “The Lions Superpull of the South” for many years. He enjoyed his garden, yard work and working at Simpson Cemetery, where he served as Board President for over 15 years; however, his favorite retirement “job” was picking up his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy and going after school for Sonic and Dairy Queen “runs”.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 3, 2025 - 4:00-8:00 pm at Chapel Hill Church of Christ 4483 Nashville Hwy Chapel Hill, TN. Funeral Services will be Friday, July 4, 2025 at 10:00 am officiated by Isaac Bourne, Brian Crews & Braden Bowyer at Chapel Hill Church of Christ. Burial will be at Simpson Cemetery, Rover.

Pallbearers are: Braden Bowyer, Jax Reed, Wesley Blanton, Allen Leverette, Danny Cooper, Matt Doak, Paten Pruitt, and Mike O’Leary

Honorary pallbearers are: Billy Wilhoite, Mike Rogers, Ricky Sweeney, Richard Warrick, Mickey Doggett, Tommy Harber, Lance Cobb, Alvin Pratt, and Randy Whitworth, members of the Shelbyville Police Dept. (past and current), members of the Shelbyville Fire Dept. and members of the Chapel Hill Fire Dept.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Ricky’s memory, to Chapel Hill Church of Christ building or mission fund, PO Box 609 Chapel Hill, TN 37034 or Simpson Cemetery C/O Jennifer Bowyer 4710 Kimberly Ct. Chapel Hill, TN 37034