Earnest Ray Blanton

Mr. Earnest Ray Banton, 77, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was born October 17, 1938 in Vanndale, Arkansas to Earnest Shelton and Eva Bell Carter Banton. He was a member of the Black Oak Assembly of God Church, where he served on the Church board, and he loved his Church dearly. He served his country in the Air Force, enjoyed crossword puzzles, read the newspaper faithfully, and loved his dog “Max”.Survivors include; his wife of 57 years: Mary Banton, of the home; three sons: Harril Banton (Cindy) of Brookland, Arkansas; Jimmy Banton of Erlanger, Kentucky; James Bates of Ripley, Mississippi; one daughter: Becky Nolan (Donald) of Nashville, Tennessee; two brothers: James Banton of Hot Springs, Arkansas; Harley Banton of Brookland, Arkansas; four sisters: Geraldine Busby of Bonifay, Florida; Juanita Yancy of Dade City, Florida; Mary Jane LeFlore of Southaven, Mississippi and Martha Jean Carter of Arkabutla, Mississippi; twenty four grandchildren; thirty nine great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.Mr. Banton was preceded in death by his parents; two sons; Tommy Bates; Robert O. Banton; one great grandson: Ely Banton; two brothers: David Banton; Morris Banton; two sisters: Leola Darty and Estella Harris.Funeral Services will be Friday, July 15, 2016 at 12:00 pm at Black Oak Assembly of God in Black Oak, Arkansas with Pastor Freddie Adams and Bro. Porter officiating. Burial will follow at Caraway Cemetery, Caraway, Arkansas under the direction of Faith Funeral Service. The family will receive visitors at the church on Friday from 10:30 am until service time.