Otis “Tom” Stanton, 80, of Cherryville Road, died November 26, 2011 surrounded by his wife and daughter.  Born in Gaston County he is the son of the late Otis and Mary Richards Stanton. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by two sisters, Edna S. Cline and Theresa S. Allen; a brother in law, Bud Cline; and his special dog Ceasar. Tom was retired from the Cleveland County Animal Control as Chief Animal Control Officer.  He was a member of Central United Methodist Church.  Tom was a good natured person who loved animals, people, and spending time with his two grandsons.

Mr. Stanton is survived by his wife Martha Porter Stanton; a daughter, Shonda Stanton of Shelby; one nephew, Don Cline of Shelby; one niece, Robin Hellman of Pawley’s Island; two grandsons, Caleb Petri and Halen Davidson both of Shelby; Special Caregivers, Brenda Laughlin, Regina Six and Janice Lane; and two loyal friends, Bobby and Dorothy Gaston.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00pm on Wednesday November 30, 2011 in the Chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends following the service.

The family would like to thank Sharon Murray, the staff of Gentiva, and the nurses of Hospice of Cleveland County.

Memorials may be made to Thornwell Orphanage, 302 S. Broad Street Clinton, SC 29325 or Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby NC 28150.