Joseph W. "J.W." Blanton, 100, of Jesup, Ga. died Friday, July 1, 2022.  The Appling County native had lived in Wayne County most of his life    and was a U.S. Navy WWII Veteran. He was a member of Jesup First Freewill Baptist Church, where he was a deacon, Sunday school teacher and treasurer. Retiring as an engineer with the Georgia Department of Transportation, he enjoyed his later years doting on grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Working gave him much satisfaction and pleasure in life. His wife, Dorothy Rentz Blanton preceded him in death along with 3 sisters, Joyce Mann, Gladys Crosby and Inez Wicker; a son-in-law, Harry Lewis.

Survivors are two daughters, Sondra Lewis of Jesup and Joy (Talmadge) Ogden of Odum; several grandchildren, Keith (Jodi) Lewis, Benji (Karla) Ogden and Brian (Erica) Ogden; several great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with Rev. Stanley Todd and Bro. Joe Pritchard officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Keith Lewis, Benji Ogden, Brian Ogden, Gene Mann, Terry Peeples and Joe Pritchard. Honorary pallbearers will be his fellow brothers and sisters at Jesup First Freewill Baptist Church, staffs of Hospice of South Georgia and Cotton Grove Nursing Home.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.