Richard Ernest ("Ritchie") Blanton

Richard Ernest Blanton (Ritchie), age 59, of Fleming Island, Florida, passed away June 10, 2026.

Ritchie was born November 9, 1966, in Asheville, North Carolina, the son of George Flakey Blanton and Carol Parker Blanton.

Ritchie suffered a stroke this past February. His health declined, and he was under hospice care at the time of his passing. His mother, Carol, sister, Tracey, and brother-in-law, Skip, were by his side when he took his last breath.

Ritchie had a generous, giving heart and was always ready to lend a helping hand to his friends. He enjoyed golf, fishing, and spending time tinkering with electronics and his van. Above all, Ritchie was incredibly proud of his children—Chelsea, Richard, and Danielle—and he enjoyed the loyal companionship of his dog, MJ.

Ritchie was preceded in death by his father, George Flakey Blanton, and grandmother, Georgia Burgin Wilson. Ritchie is survived by his mother, Carol Blanton, of Fleming Island; his daughter, Chelsea Howle (Jonathan); son, Richard Blanton; stepdaughter, Danielle Stedham (Michael); sister, Tracey Lakey (Skip); nieces, Shelby and Emma Lakey; nephew, Graham Lakey; and aunt, Nancy Lathan (Toy).

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date at the Aaron & Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name can be made to Clay County Animal Shelter:   https://www.claycountygov.com/community/animal-services/donations

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