July 2, 1930 –  March 12, 2014 –William Harlin “Bill” Blanton was born July 2, 1930 in Fannin County. He was the fourth and last child born to William N. and Ethel King Blanton. He married Velma Jean Jarrell on March 29, 1951 at the home of Rev. Leon Martin in Bonham, TX. They were married 62 years until her passing in October 2013. On March 12, 2014 at the age of 83 years old Bill went to join her again in heaven. Bill and Velma moved the family to Sherman in 1957. Bill was a fast pitch softball pitcher. Many close friendships and business opportunities were started on the softball field. He loved sports and wanted others to love them, too. He was instrumental in starting a girls fast pitch softball league in Sherman. He sponsored and coached teams and developed close bonds with many families and children through his efforts in this area.Bill was a tinner by trade and in 1965 bought a tin shop which later became Blanton’s Sheet Metal. He and Velma worked together in this operation and developed it into a thriving business. Bill and Velma sold this enterprise in 1985 when they retired. After their retirement they enjoyed traveling, hunting and fishing, and taking care of their place together. After retirement, Bill started another business raising and selling champion pygmy and boar goats. He loved this work and was helpful in starting others in these associations.Bill grew up in the country and developed a love of nature and outdoors from an early age. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He instilled this love and respect for nature into his children and grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Velma, parents, Bill and Ethel Blanton, brothers Roscoe Blanton and Rob Blanton, sister Josephine Duncan, grand daughter Amy Bassham, and son-in-law Bob Sieber.Bill is survived by three daughters Connie (Turner) Almon, Caron Arensberg, and Janie Sieber; grandchildren Royce (Christy) Bryan, Ben (Mandy) Bryan, Cara (Errin) Luton; great-grandchildren Shelbey (Mitchell) Batten, Abbey Bryan, Amelia “Milley”Bryan, Amy “Kaylee” Luton, Hunter Luton, Austin Bryan, Steven Krewson, Aaron Krewson; great-great grandchildren Katie Retzer, and Logan Batten; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and friends.Services will be held at Mullican-Little Funeral Home in Savoy, Texas officiated by Benjamin Blanton Bryan. Family visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. until the service begins at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel. With burial following the service at the Carson Cemetery in Ector.Pallbearers will be K.W. Sandburg, Kenny Sandburg, Dana Whittington, Austin Bryan, Royce Bryan, Turner Almon, and Hunter Luton.