Prominent Athens businessman Michael Blanton killed, son arrested

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.