William (Bill) Albert Blanton (68) passed away on February 1 ^st at Lakeland Regional Medical Center after a valiant fight with glioblastoma brain cancer. He was born in Paintsville Kentucky, on February 7 ^th , 1954, to his parents who were madly in love, Athelene Oney Blanton and Burnette H. Blanton. He was the first child, the first grandbaby and was immediately loved and spoiled beyond belief. He had a long career working for Tampa Bay water for over 22 years. Bill loved music, guitars, concerts, fishing, collecting Buck knives and of course UK basketball. Go, Wildcats! Bill had a larger-than-life personality with a larger-than-life mustache to match. It was a part of him ever since he was physically able to grow one in college. Long may the mustache reign.

William went to the University of Kentucky where he joined the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity and played tuba in the pep band. This is where he met his soul mate and future wife, Rachel. He was also a scuba instructor and one of the nation's first certified cave divers. He was known as "Wild Bill" to some, "Blanton" to others, but to his loving daughter he will always be known as simply, dad.

He lost the love of his life, Rachel Blanton (Burns) 20 years ago. Rachel passed due to breast cancer and after her death he did everything he could to support research for breast cancer. He donated whenever and wherever he could. Their love story was one for the ages, and everyone always said that he and Rachel were soul mates. If you ever got the pleasure to be around them, you would have to agree. Their love shined blazingly bright and was only outshined by the love they had for their daughter, Liz Blanton, whom they tried very hard to have after years of struggles.

He was known to be an amazing "Mr. Mom" after the loss of his wife. He prepared not only his daughter's hair for her synchronized swimming meets, but also the hair of the other girls. He styled Liz's hair for her proms and homecomings, never missed a single dance recital, was always there for every band performance, and would willingly give up multiple weekends to go to swim meets. Bill never missed a single one.

There are not enough words to express how amazing and one-of-a-kind he was. The saying goes, "They don't make them like that anymore", and that could not have been more true for him. He will be missed desperately, and his legacy will live on in his wild stories, wacky sense of humor and in the hearts and memories of everyone he ever interacted with. He was a character and will be missed.

William was preceded in death by his wife Rachel Blanton and his parents Athelene and Burnette Blanton. He is survived by his daughter Liz Blanton, brother Thom Blanton, and sweet dog Franklin.