ZEB E BLANTON's Obituary
Zeb E Blanton Sr.
Zeb was born April 18th 1929 in Gastonia NC to Elizabeth Delia (Greene) and George Treadway Blanton. He passed away on Friday July 29th 2016 from the sad effects of a four year battle with dementia. He leaves his wife of 67 years, Elizabeth (“Betty” Lehmann) daughter Judith Nicolussi (Joseph*), son, Zeb Jr. (Deborah), daughter Debra Harrington, (David). Grandchildren, Erica Nicolussi Zoeller, Christopher Nicolussi, Steven Blanton, Amanda Walker and Ryan Benison. Great granddaughters, Allysa and Taylor Zoeller and Meah and Avery Nicolussi.
Zeb was employed by Pan American Airways in 1948 as a machinist and remained with them for 38 years retiring as a supervisor of flight attendants. This time frame was interrupted by a 4 year enlistment in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1951 to 1955. He was raised a Master Mason in 1960 in Coral Gables Lodge No. 260. His enjoyment of the Masonic Fraternity led him to becoming a member of The Scottish Rite, Valley of Miami and Mahi Shrine. His membership in the Order of the Eastern Star with his wife was a pleasure for them both and he served the organization for many years as the Worthy Patron of both Coral Gables and South Miami Chapters. The Masonic fraternity afforded him many honors. He served Coral Gables Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1973 and as treasurer for 14 years. Grand Lodge honored him with numerous committee appointments and in 1997 he was appointed District Deputy Grand Master. In 2000 Zeb was installed Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Florida and was granted an appointment as Grand Representative to Cameroon in 2002.
His personal enjoyment was found in his family and friends and many personal handyman activities. His ability to fix or build anything was varied and amazing. Downtime (?) would find him busily tatting lacy doilies, carrying on an almost forgotten art passed on to him by his mother. They were gifted to many appreciative friends. He will be so sadly missed by us though we are grateful that he will suffer no more. Visitation will be held at Van Orsdel on Saturday, August 6, 2016 from 4:30 to 6:00pm, 11220 No Kendall Drive with the Naval Honor Guard, Eastern Star and Masonic Services beginning at 6:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in remembrance to; The Mahi Shrine Patient Transportation Fund at Mahi Shrine PO Box 668977 Miami, Fl 33166.
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