Lucian "Luke" Robert Blanton, Jr., age 57, of Rocky Point died Thursday, June 25, 2009 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center following a brief illness.

He was born August 18, 1951 and was the son of the late Lucian Robert and Doris Evelyn Small Blanton. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Judy Carolyn McCall.

Surviving are his devoted wife of 24 years, Charlotte M. Blanton of the home; sons, Lucian R. "Tres" Blanton III and Cody Caswell Blanton both of the home; special friend who was like a son, Vinnie Long; brother, Donald Craig Blanton and his wife, Nancy of Wilmington; sister, Doris Faye Hardin and her husband, Jimmy of Rocky Point and many nieces and nephews.

Lukie, as a youngster, was always an athlete from the time he was too big to run the ball in rec league where he played nose guard to all through his glory years at Lumberton High School. He earned a football/track scholarship to Guilford College. In track he ran hurdles and threw some things around. He played Rover Back and D-end on defense and he ran the football with a \\"hit or be hit\\" attitude at the full back position where he ran multiple defenders over time and time again.

After graduating college with a degree in Sociology, Lukie pursued a culinary career at the Philadelphia Restaurant School. Shortly afterward Lukie opened up a restaurant in downtown Philadelphia called, The Sky's The Limit.

Lukie was introduced to the German Shorthaired Pointer bird dog and fell in love with that breed until the day he died. He taught his boys how to hunt with the German Shorthaired Pointer. Lukie, Tres and Cody spent many happy hours together hunting.

Lukie moved back to his hometown of Lumberton where he met the love of his life, Charlotte Meadows and they were married in 1985.

Years later two sons and a heart full of love for his boys emerged. For the past 20 years he was a house painter which enabled him to spend all the time he wanted with Charlotte and his beloved sons. Lukie took full advantage of this and raised his two boys with the love and compassion he missed out on as a child. Lukie never missed a game/match or scout meeting and always let everyone know how proud he was of Tres and Cody. Family was his most valued possession. Dad always felt guilty of not being a good enough provider for his family, but what he didn't know was that he provided us with something money could never buy, LOVE. Dad had a bigger heart than most men and he always let everyone know just exactly how he felt. He made the sacrifice for his family that most men can never bring themselves to do. He sacrificed his work for his family. Everyone says that they wish they would have spent more time with their family and less time worrying about work - Nobody ever puts on their tombstone, that they wish they would've worked more and spent less time with their family. Luke had his priorities in order, 'cause you just can't buy love. And, dad, we can never be thankful enough for your your love and the good memories you will leave us with.

A memorial celebration of Lucian "Luke" Robert Blanton, Jr.'s life will be at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at Rocky Point United Methodist Church with The Rev. E. J. Highsmith officiating.

In honor and memory of Luke to show your love and caring you may make a contribution to Luke's family to help them along life's way at this difficult time. 200 Carr Ave., Rocky Point, NC 28457.

Charlotte, Tres and Cody would like to express their sincere gratitude for the love, caring and support that has been given to them during Luke's brief illness and passing. Friends, family and church family are worth more than GOLD!

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw, NC.