William Blanton Hartness

HENDERSON- William Blanton Hartness, 89, of Oakland Avenue, died Sunday, April 20, 2025 at a local nursing home. Born July 12, 1935 in Sanford, he was the son of the late Mamie Hunter Hartness and Blanton Alvin Hartness. Blanton was a graduate of Hargrave Military Academy and a Veteran of the United States Air Force stationed at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, KS. He was the owner and operator of Sanford Milling Company. He also was a member of First Baptist Church Henderson, and a former member of the Henderson Jaycees, Henderson Lions Club, the Masonic Lodge and the Shrine Club. A memorial service will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the columbarium wall in the memorial garden at First Baptist Church Henderson by Dr. Ron Cava. Blanton is survived by his wife, Ruth McCune Hartness of the home; a daughter, Angela H. Smith and husband, Jim; three sons, Blanton A. Hartness, II and wife, Kim; Scott M. Hartness; and W. Hunter Hartness and wife, Susan; five grandchildren, Kimberly Hunter Hartness, Sean Hartness and wife, Marisol, Libby Spain and husband, Jason, Alex Smith and wife, Julie, and Brandon Smith; three great-grandchildren, Maribell Spain, Guy Spain and Tessa Smith; his brother, Alvin Hartness and wife, Shirley; his sister, Crystal Leathers and husband, Bill; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends following the service in the garden at First Baptist Church on Friday.