
Billy was a professional musician most of his life. He was a country western singer and received the Key to the City of Mena for headlining the Lum & Abner festival, in June of 1981. In his free time, Billy enjoyed writing new music and having jam sessions with his friends. Billy Blanton lived by the philosophy of treating others as you would want to be treated. Billy was able to travel the nation playing music, and enjoyed nothing more than the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Billy was a lifelong member of the National Musicians Association, and once even opened for Kenny Rogers. Billy was a loving grandfather, father, brother and a great friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Millie Blanton; his brother, J.R. Blanton; two sisters, Helen McLaine, Macie Moler; and daughter, Linda Kaczmarek.
Billy is survived by three sons, David Blanton of Alabama, Michael Blanton of Alabama, and Austin Blanton of Mena, Arkansas; two daughters, Anita of Alabama, and Dorothy of Alabama; three sisters, Elizabeth Hensley of Mena, Arkansas, Margie Smith of Mena, Arkansas, and Hazel Bender of Greenville, Texas; ten grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Memorial Mass was held Monday, February 13, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. at the Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Mena, Arkansas.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
To the family. Please accept our sincere
condolences. Growing up at Shady, we
were all family. I remember ice cream
suppers at Hous and Suzy’s and riding the
“little” short bus. How life has changed.
Peace, comfort, and strength are our prayers
for each of you.
In Christian love,
Miss you daddy
Miss you and love you
Sad to see of his passing…Used to see them a lot with my parents when I was young. Billy & Millie were great people…I hate our families lost touch over the years. Lots of great memories of seeing them all over and hanging out late at night after shows.