William (Bill) Blanton Jr.

On Monday, May 20, 2019, William McIllwaine Blanton Jr., beloved husband, father, “Deda” and businessman passed away.  Although he had physically slowed down, his quick wit and “larger than life” persona remained ever present.  As granddaughter Virginia shared on social media, “my grandfather exemplified the Southern gentleman.  He was a patron of culture, style and respect.  A natural connector and people person.”

Mr. Blanton was born in December to Lois Little and William McIllwaine Blanton at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte.  He grew up in Charlotte and Shelby and later graduated from Oak Ridge Military Academy and North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in lumber products, manufacturing and merchandising.  He served in the U.S. Army in France, a member of the Quarter Master Corp as a 2nd Lieutenant.  Upon returning from his service, he joined Globe Furniture Company in High Point.  In addition to Globe, his passion for his work in the furniture industry led him to work with several outstanding manufacturers….Wellington Hall (Vice-President), Earlon (Vice-President), KayLyn (President) and Hickory-White (Vice-President).  After his retirement from Hickory-White, he joined his dear friend Paul Atwell at Ardley Hall.  For ten incredible years, they set about discovering a “treasure trove of collectibles” from around the world and creating a family to promote those treasures.  Mr. Blanton was a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, serving as an usher for 30 years.  He was a former member of the High Point Rotary Club, Southern Furniture Club (serving as first vice president), the Piedmont Sales Executive Club (serving as president) and High Point Country Club.

Sixty-one years ago, he married the love of his life, Wanna McAnally Blanton.  Their wedding ceremony occurred in the midst of a snow storm in High Point.  They loved traveling abroad, especially their trip to Africa with dear friends.  He also loved spending time at Holden Beach with his family and friends.  Also surviving are sons, William McIllwaine Blanton III and his wife Carrie Courter Blanton of Bellevue, WA and Charles McAnally Blanton and wife Hannah Phillips Blanton of Charlotte and five grandchildren for whom he was so proud, Ashely Courter Blanton, Katherine McAnally Blanton, Virginia Phillips Blanton, Charles McAnally Blanton Jr. and Brown Patrick Blanton.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Blanton Brooks.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in High Point with Rev. Dr. Jeff Patterson and Rev. Jared Stine officiating.  Visitation will immediately follow the service in the Asbury Room at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Wanna McAnally Music Fund, Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1225 Chestnut Dr. High Point, N.C. 27262.

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