Barry Blanton

Barry Scott Blanton, 66, a native of Selma, Alabama passed away on January 12, 2022, in Selma, Alabama. Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Selma natives, John H. Blanton, and Mary Hutchings Blanton.  Barry is survived by his brother, John Hutchings Blanton (Deena) of Mobile, sister, Margaret Blanton Colley (Louis) of Prattville, and nieces, Mary Frances Colley (fiancé Reed Forbus), Julia Claiborne Colley and Elizabeth Greer Colley of Birmingham.  Barry is also survived by his cousins, Judy Hutchings Berneske of Birmingham, Jane Hutchings (Mel) Purcell of Nashville, Blair (Michael) Saale of Mobile and Kent (Rebecca) Purcell of Memphis.

Barry was born on June 24, 1955 with cerebral palsy.  Although Barry’s cerebral palsy limited him physically, it never diminished his love of life.  He was extremely intellectual, with a phenomenal memory and with an incredible, infectious personality.  Barry gave us the gift of unconditional love.  Barry taught us how to love without words, without limits, without reasons.  He gave us the gift of perspective, reminding us by his example that most of our problems are not really problems and to be grateful for what we have.  Barry brought joy to whatever task was at hand.  Barry taught us to see past difficulties and find happiness.

Easterseals Alabama selected Barry as the Easterseal Child in 1963. Barry refused to allow cerebral palsy to prevent him from receiving an education.  He had the benefit of excellent home bound teaching services and graduated from Selma High School. After high school, Barry attended Judson College.

Barry shared his enthusiasm of reading by writing reviews for children’s books for the Selma Times-Journal.  Barry also was an author of short stories himself.

He touched the life of everyone he met with his kind, gentle disposition.  Using his sharp wit, he easily made friends and always made sure there was laughter.

Barry loved music, particularly Broadway and Luke Bryan.  He also loved to learn about History and Presidents.  However, Barry was most passionate about the Circus.  It only took one show as a child for him to be a lifelong fan.  He was a proud member of The Circus Fans of America and of The Circus Historical Society.  Barry had extensive knowledge on the subject, as well as a very impressive collection of memorabilia.

The Blanton Family is very grateful to Barry’s many caregivers and friends who took him into their hearts and care and wish to thank them for their unrelenting love and support. Special thanks to the staff at Selma Health and Rehabilitation, Tom Jackson, Ashlee Bohannon, Elizabeth Stewart, Sheila McCurdy, Marva Eaton, Carol Wilcox, Dave Speed, Julie Ford and Frances Turner, all of Selma.

Graveside services will be held at the New Live Oak Cemetery at 11 AM on Saturday, January 15, 2022, with Reverend Diane Everette of Church Street United Methodist Church officiating and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home directing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Easterseals Alabama, United Cerebral Palsy of Alabama, or to a charity of choice.