Mr. Joel Steven Blanton, affectionately known as Steve to family and friends, age 54 of Sparta, passed away Tuesday morning, October 4, 2022.

Steve was born October 23, 1967 in Sparta, Tennessee. He was a veteran of the National Guard and former restaurant manager. He was an avid WWE Wrestling fan and loved baseball as he was a member of the White County High School Warrior baseball team during his school days. Steve had a heart for helping family and friends in need of help. He is preceded in death by his father Joel Jarvis Blanton.

Surviving family members left to cherish his memory include his mother and step-father Gail and Buford Dial of Sparta

Sister: Tina (Richard) Fortner of North Carolina

Brother: Rodney Blanton of Sparta

Step-sister: Penny (James) West

Nieces: Rachel (Sean) O'Neill of North Carolina and Kirsten West

Three nephews: Jason (Nora) Flatt of Cookeville, Luke Blanton and Caleb West

Great-nephew: Alan Stoner

Fiance'e: Cindy Gardner and her daughter Carol Brown

A host of special cousins, family and friends also survive

Graveside services will be conducted 2:00pm Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Highland Cemetery. There will be no formal visitation prior to the service. Robert Roberts will officiate.