Gary H. Blanton, age 86, of Inverness, Fl passed away March 30, 2025 at the Vitas Hospice Facility under the loving care of his family. Gary was born in Dunedin, FL on September 16, 1938 to the late Percy and LaRue Blanton and came to this area in 1989 from Maine. He served our country in the U.S. Air Force, retiring after 25 years as a SMSgt, following a tour in Viet Nam and several other duty stations. He attended the Hernando United Methodist Church.
In 1991, he petitioned the Masonic Lodge for membership and was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in 1992. The Masonic Lodge soon became a focus in his life. His Masonic affiliations included Citrus Masonic Lodge No. 118 (now Nature Coast), Memorial Masonic Lodge, Ocala Consistory Scottish Rite, Order of Eastern Star Chapter 65 (Past Grand Patron). While a member of Citrus Lodge, he served as the Worshipful Master three times as well as the Junior and
Senior Warden, Senior Deacon, and Chaplain. He was also active in Grand Lodge, serving as District Deputy Grand Master, District Instructor, and several Grand Lodge committees. He was bestowed Masonry’s highest honor being named as a 33rd Degree Mason.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 37 years, Barbara Blanton; 5 children: Cynthia Blanton; Jerry (Heather) Blanton; Michael (Nang) Hunter; David (Mary) Hunter; Phyllis Hunter (Chris); his brother, Larry Blanton; several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Friends may call at the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home on Thursday, April 3rd from 5:00-7:00 PM. The O.E.S. Chapter 65 will conduct their service at 6:00 PM. Masonic Services will be conducted Friday, April 4th at 10:00 AM followed by a service at 11:00 AM with Pastor Shawn Klein of the Hernando United Methodist Church officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Florida National Cemetery with the MacDill Air Force Honor Guard presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (Web site: st.jude.org)
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