Blanton Dove, Sr.

Blanton Dove, Sr., 91, of Athens, Georgia passed away peacefully on December 17, 2020. Born in Royston, Georgia on October 5, 1929, Blanton grew up in depression-era Athens. Throughout his life, he often reminisced of time spent with his father working on their farm, fixing up cars, and trading mules during the 30’s and 40’s.

Blanton met Mary Griffeth in 1949 and they began a courtship that would last for four years until he was called to service in the Army during the Korean War. Shortly before his deployment, Blanton married Mary in a wedding presided over by Oconee Heights pastor, Felix Turner.

The Korean War would remain with Blanton the rest of his life as he often spoke of it as though he had just stepped off the battlefield. He rose to the rank of corporal but deferred further promotion as well as purple hearts because he felt as though others were more deserving for their valor. A shrewd infantryman who was always considerate of his fellow “G.I.’s”, he earned the admiration of his company commander, a UGA alum, who gave him the nickname “Peach Picker” for being the only other Georgian in his company.

On returning to Athens, the couple settled in Athens where Blanton worked at several jobs before beginning a career in appliance repair, a calling that he would serve for over 50 years.  During that time, Blanton and Mary would raise three children, Blanton Jr., Mike, and Renee while, Blanton earned a reputation as a hard worker and a man that never failed to do the right thing.

His career played to his strengths. He loved people and enjoyed making them feel cared for and happy. This was often accomplished by his telling humorous anecdotes that he accumulated throughout his life. His affable nature was only enhanced by his keen mind for mechanical equipment. He could fix just about anything and did for just about everybody. Never one to cut corners, he was admired in the Athens community, so much so that famed Georgia writer Loran Smith once remarked that “Dove has provided timely service for the repair of appliances for citizens of Athens for countless years. You feel good when this Mr. ‘Fix-it’ shows up at your door.”

Blanton loved his family as it grew with in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As he spent time with them, he was quick to turn anecdotes into life lessons while passing on his wisdom and passions, such as trout fishing. Until his departure from this world, he remained the family’s rock, its center, and the person we all turned to for wisdom and practical advice. Although that departure is painful as we grieve for our loss, we have confidence in the fact that we will be reunited with him one day in the glory of the Father.

Blanton was preceded in death by his father, Rush Dove, his mother, Ethel Parker Dove, and his sister, Vivian Taylor.

Blanton is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Dove. He is also survived by his children Blanton Jr. and Debbie Dove, Danielsville; Mike and Becky Dove, Athens; and Renee Dobbs, Bogart. He was also survived by his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Melanie Dove of Colbert; David and Courtney Dove, Tucker and Wells, Marietta; Melissa and Frank May, Chatham and Leila, Hull; and Emily Dobbs of Watkinsville. Blanton is also survived by sisters Dorothy Gentry, Marietta, and Katherine Barlow, Duluth; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus, family will hold a private service.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com