Raymond A. Blanton Sr. LAURINBURG - Retired Air Force Master Sgt. Raymond Allen Blanton Sr., 73, of Laurinburg, died Sunday, March 7, 2010, in Southeastern Regional Hospital in Lumberton. Our father was not an ordinary man. He was a great man with so much pride and tenacity. His thirst to live was a true testament for all human kind. He faced so many of life's challenges and yet he persevered with great courage. Our father was also a very compassionate husband, a great role model, and upstanding family member and neighborly man. Many would marvel at the ability of our father to handle the harshest personal physical pain and suffering. This past Sunday he finally allowed himself passage through his graceful life here with us. Now, he is among the stars giving chase to the whole new world of spiritual challenges. Yes, God will be very impressed with the ability of our father now as one of his angels. We all love you Pops, daddy and will miss you dearly. Peace is now yours for the taking. May your wings allow you to take flight safely through the heavens. God's speed to you, our father, our great father! Memorial services will be held Thursday, March 11, 2010, at 3 p.m. in Jernigan Warren Funeral Home chapel in Fayetteville with military honors. Chaplain Archie Barringer and the Rev. Jim Blanton Sr. will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday prior to service at the funeral home. Raymond was born Feb. 21, 1937, in Fayetteville, to Carson and Maude Blanton. He was retired U.S. Air Force, and he served in Korea and Vietnam. He received numerous awards and accommodations. He loved his family and his country. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Ryan Blanton; a half brother, Gene McMillan; and loving companions, Bumper and Cricket. He is survived by his wife, Anita H. Blanton of the home; two daughters, Melinda Rae Crites and husband Pat of Yucaipa, Calif.; and Mary Beth Roach and husband Joel of Asheboro; son, Raymond Allen Blanton Jr. and wife Natalie of Long Beach, Calif.; five grandchildren; a great-grandchild; two brothers, Jim Blanton Sr. and wife Bonnie of Atlanta, and David Blanton Sr. and wife Karen of Clover, S.C.; sister, Beth Sessoms and husband Mac of Lumberton; and several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.), P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or dav.org. Services entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home of Fayetteville.