Obituary: Mike Blanton, 62

[Athens, Ga.] Mike Blanton, owner of Dalton Carpet One, passed away on March 25. He was 62 years old.

Blanton was born in Seattle, Washington and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. He earned his BA in Biblical Education from Florida Bible College in 1976. Blanton founded the Dalton Carpet Outlet in 1978 and had been a member of Carpet One since 1988. Through hard work and dedication to his customers and to his staff, Blanton grew the business to 3 locations with a special focus on his commercial business working with clients across the country.

Blanton's integrity and commitment to excellence earned tremendous respect within the industry and he was honored as the 2013 WFCA Gold Standard Award recipient and the 2011 Carpet One Alan Greenberg Award winner among other numerous honors in recognition of not only professional achievements but also for his support of the Athens community and other philanthropy as well.

Blanton loved to ride a Harley and enjoyed vintage muscle cars especially Corvettes and Porsches. He also loved college and pro football games, and was an avid golfer.

Blanton is survived by his wife Kelley, daughter Katy Blanton and her partner Meg Mantia, sons Curtis Blanton and David Blanton, sister Jann Blanton and her partner Wendy Johnson, sister-in-law Victoria Farmer, sister and brother-in-law Alice and Hal Pruitt, niece Patricia Pruitt, nephew William Pruitt and beloved dogs Nila, Gidget and Dr. Pepper. 

In lieu of flowers, the family graciously wishes for donations to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Building For America's Bravest program in Mike’s honor. To make a donation, please visit OurBravest.org or mail to:

Tunnel to Towers Foundation
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306