Prominent Athens businessman Michael Blanton killed, son arrested

Mar 28, 2017 - 06:08
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Prominent Athens businessman Michael Blanton killed, son arrested
Michael Blanton. (SOURCE: Lord and Stephens funeral home)

ATHENS, GA - Oconee County Sheriff's deputies say they have arrested the son of a prominent Athens businessman found shot multiple times in his garage Thursday moing

David M. Blanton, 31, of Athens, has been charged with murder after his father, Michael Blanton died early Saturday from gunshot wounds sustained from his son at a home on Scarlet Oak Circle.

Michael Blanton, who helped start Athens Church, is described in his obituary as a"pillar of the community" for his involvement in a number of philanthropies including Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens and the Salvation Army.

According to his obituary, Blanton founded Dalton Carpet Outlet in July 1978 and grew the business from one other part-time employee to 130 employees and four locations across north Georgia.

His son Curtis said of his father in the obituary, ”My dad was the best man I have ever known. He has inspired and taught me and so many others so much. He was a coach, a mentor, a leader, a best friend, and truly a role model to us all. He touched more people than I ever knew.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.