William J. Blanton Jr.

Bill was a fellow graduate of then George Mason School of Law and he would be proud to see that Antonio Scalia represented the moniker of the school today. We represented the St. Mary's County alumni association of the school.
I met him over 10-15 years ago and he talked me into giving back to the school which I did.
Our mutual friend used to descibe him as "The Thomas Jefferson on the Potomac" which I found to encapsulate his varied interests and keen intellect. He was a soft-spoken fellow who I admired and respected. Can't believe it has been that long- Her's to you Bill-

I'm sorry I just heard of Bill's passing. I worked with Bill many years ago, he was not only my employer, but a true friend.

Two thirty-nine year old men meet; smile knowingly at the exciting intellectual aptitudes discovered in one another; compare early lives played out under the well-defined realities of strong, successful fathers and take hold of one another in ways that only the two of us would ever know.

Bill was Collegiate; I was Three Chopt.

Bill was landed gentry in Gloucester county and I was hired help along College Creek near Williamsburg.

Bill was best man at my wedding and best conversationalist on any topic.

Bill sat in my hotel room in Brunswick, GA one night in 1995 and admonished me to make sure that I took care of my health and got regular PSA tests for my prostate. Prophetic? Oh, yes.

Bill and I shared, in a way, in his later-life law studies at George Mason University where he became a professor; my entry into the arena of software artificial intelligence at George Washington University, within which he was very interested and our mutual respect for big iron construction equipment which belched diesel smoke, made a lot of noise and carried out a lot of work.

Bill could grasp anything- any concept, any idea- and add something meaningful to the discussion. He had the ability to reduce everything he considered to a blinding glimpse of the obvious.

I know that Bill is grading these words that I now write with one of those chewed up Bic pens he carried with him.

And, I so await his grade given with that one single line swoop which was his trademark signature.

Rest well, my best friend.

“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” Eskimo Proverb quotes
Carol, In time may you be able to see happiness in the brightest star that is your Father.

Judy, Linn and I are so sorry for your loss...I knew Bill for quite a long time, and always considered him a friend, even though it has now been a rather lengthy period since I saw him last...Linn wants you to know that she is thinking about you and would love to hear from you...the same goes for me...the best to you...

We are old neighbors of Bill's from Willow Oak Place in Montclair, VA. We are sad to hear of his passing and know that he leaves heavy hearts behind. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family and all who are dealing with his loss. God bless him and all of us who mourn his passing.

Dan and Charlotte Schnieders

The world has lost a brilliant man indeed. And the best father ever. Love and miss you Daddy.

Dear Judith and family,
May the memories of laughter and joy comfort you at this time. He was a wonderful and loving man due in part to the family that surrounded him. Love you all. Stacy

All of your turkeys love and miss you!

I was sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I so enjoyed talking with him. He was brilliant. May he be at peace.

I was so sorry to hear of Bills passing, he was a super person. I met Bill years ago and we shared a love of old boats. When my parents owned Dennis Point Marina we worked on several of his boats through the years. Please accept my condolences with a heavy heart, he will be sorely missed.

Doug Gardiner and Family

To Bill's family
I met Bill later in his life. He was once described by someone as the "Thomas Jefferson of this side of the River" when he moved to Maryland. After knowing him for a few years I was amazed at his range of knowledge. He was truly a kind soul who will be remembered for his generosity.
Time to sail on my friend
Condolences,
Phil and Donna dorsey