Mr. Johnny Douglas Blanton Sr.

Johnny Douglas Blanton, Sr of Cocoa, FL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at the age of 88. Johnny, or “Hoot Owl” as his family called him, was born to parents, Milt and Merle, on February 17, 1936 in Lookout, KY. He grew up as the 5th of 7 children and decided to join the Navy in 1955 at the age of 19; coincidentally, meeting his future wife, Ann, on the way to his basic training. As he was seated in his train car, he noticed a young woman fending off the unwanted advances of a Hatfield he disliked from the infamous “Hatfields and McCoys” family feud. After chasing away her offender, Johnny spent the rest of the trip endeavoring to win the heart of the woman he’d just met. From a short “goodbye” at the end of the train ride, they continued their storybook romance by corresponding throughout his time away on the Navy ship and by staying with each other’s families during the short periods he was on leave. While a crew member of the USS Northampton (CLC-1), Johnny traveled the Mediterranean, stopping in ports in France, Turkey, and Italy. He also received two letters of commendation: one of which exemplified his heroic efforts in saving a fellow crewman. The man had fallen off a ship ladder, hit his head, and landed in the water unconscious. As another sailor dove in after the injured man, Johnny threw a life ring buoy to the rescuer and pulled his shipmates to safety with a ship’s hook. He also assisted in the resuscitation of the wounded crewman. After being honorably discharged from the Navy in September of 1959 (in the Navy Reserve until 1961), Johnny returned home and married Ann Wainscott on October 9, 1959 in Jefferson County, KY. They soon after moved to Brevard County, FL where Johnny made commercial painting his career for 48 years; using his remarkable skills during the creation of many iconic structures in the area; including the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, Apollo launch pads 39 and 40 at Patrick Air Force Station, the well-known Cocoa water tower, and the Orlando Utilities building. His favorite hobbies were fishing and reupholstering and painting furniture. Johnny is survived by his son, Johnny Douglas Blanton, Jr and his wife, Patty; grandson, Logan; sister, Wanda Faye; and many nieces and nephews. Johnny is preceded in death by his wife, Ann, of 54 years; his parents; his brothers, Billy “Wild Bill”, Bobby “Cat Bird”, and Larry “Boo”; and his sisters Mary Helen and Anna Rae. A final committal service for Johnny, and his wife Ann, will be held at 11:30 am, on Wednesday June 5, 2024, at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery on US1 in Mims, FL. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Mr. Johnny Douglas Blanton Sr.

February 17, 1936 - May 9, 2024

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Mr. Johnny Douglas Blanton Sr.

February 17, 1936 - May 9, 2024

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information