BLANTON,
Ellis W., 76, of Louisville, passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2017.
Born August 10, 1941 in Pikeville, KY, to the late Ellis and Fayetta Blanton, he retired from Baptist Hospital East as the Staff Supervisor, Clinical Manager, Assistant Director and Director of Radiology. After retiring from Baptist Hospital he went on to teach the Radiology Program at St. Catharine College for over fourteen years. Ellis also worked briefly for United Health Works and Speed Art Museum. He was a graduate of Louisville Male, Kentucky Baptist Hospital School of Radiologic Technology and U of L where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. His memberships included KSRT, ASRT, where he was very active in several committees, life-time membership award and received the “Olive Bell Lecturer” Award from KSRT, and was the founding President and received the life-time membership award from KSNMT. Ellis was appointed by Governor Beshear to the KY Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board, where he was one of the original members and was also appointed a KY Colonel.
Ellis cherished his time working at Baptist Hospital, loved his time spent at St. Catharine College, loved all University of Louisville sports, and was known to all for his kindness, character, and faith.
He, along with his wife, have been members of Bethany Baptist Church for over 42 years, where he served on committees, was a Deacon, Sunday School teacher and Church Moderator.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jack and Timothy Blanton; sister, Kathy Blanton Forden; in-laws, Top and Alice Cunningham; and nephews, Travis and Tanor Morrison.
He is survived by his loving and supportive wife and best friend, Shirley D. Blanton; children, Jonathan “Jay” Blanton (Carla) and Kelley Blanton Davenport (Byron); very special granddaughter, Lily Beth Sampley; sisters, Judy Willett (Mike), Kimberly Hudgins (David), Linda Morrison (Joey); sisters-in-law, Laura and Phyllis Blanton; brothers-in-law, Larry T. Cunningham (Pam), Jimmie C. Cunningham (Cherri), and Rick Forden; many wonderful nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Milo.
His funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Rd. with entombment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Friday at Highlands.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the “I Love Bethany” Fund at Bethany Baptist Church or the Dominican Sisters of Peace-Mother House in St. Catharine, KY (for trees).

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