William Watts Blanton, known as Bill, of Southampton died at the Westhampton Care Center on November 13, of kidney failure. He was 83.
Born and raised in Paris, Kentucky, Mr. Blanton was the son of William W. Blanton Sr. and Alice Rogers Clay. He graduated from Washington and Lee University and the University of Kentucky Law School. In 1955 he moved to New York City and worked at J. Walter Thompson Advertising. After leaving his advertising career, he sold residential real estate through Cunningham Real Estate in Southampton. He shared a Southampton home with his partner of 35 years, Donald L. Anderson. He also kept his New York City apartment.
He was a longtime member of the Sag Harbor chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous.
While Mr. Blanton had wide interests, theater was primary among them. He was an avid theatergoer and performed in small productions in Manhattan and Southampton. Survivors said he was gregarious and known for his cordiality and willingness to help other people.
In addition to his life partner, Mr. Blanton is survived by a sister-in-law, Kenney Roseberry of Kentucky; two nieces, Rogers Roseberry Barde of Kentucky and Lindsay Roseberry of Nashville; a nephew, Sidney Clay Roseberry of Kentucky; and cousins, Lucy Blanton Park, Anne Clay Blanton Oldham, and Tom, David and Missy Smith. No services are planned. Arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.
Memorial donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 360 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017 or online at act.alz.org.
on Nov 23, 2015