Funeral services for Mr. Robert Harvey “Bobby” Blanton, III were held Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Saulters Moore Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment followed in Whitesand Cemetery.  Rev. Ted Bowlin officiated.  Mr. Blanton, 72, passed away Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.

Saulters Moore Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Blanton was born on Sept. 13, 1949, in Mobile, Alabama, to Robert Harvey Blanton Jr. and Janice Freeman Blanton.  Bobby, as he was affectionately known to those close to him, was a true American patriot.  Being too young to serve in the military, his mother signed papers granting him permission to serve in the United States Army.  From 1966-1969, Bobby served with valor, fighting in the Vietnam war.  Specifically, he served in the United States Army Special Forces, colloquially known as the Green Berets.  After serving in the Army, Bobby also worked for the CIA as well as serving as a bodyguard for Louisiana senators.  He was also skilled in Martial Arts, including Combat Jiujitsu.  Bobby also possessed several talents that he enjoyed sharing with others, including dancing and playing his guitar while singing the songs of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.  In addition, he had skills in Chiropractic and Acupressure treatment.  Bobby was always up for a challenge, lived his life to the fullest and was very adventurous.  He was of the Baptist faith.

Besides his parents, Mr. Blanton was preceded in death by his grandson, Freddy Grantham III and step-mother, Joan Blanton.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Winnie S. Blanton of New Hebron; one son, Robert Harvey Blanton IV of Theodore, Alabama; one daughter, Crystal Grantham of Mobile, Alabama; two sisters, Sandra Matthews of Semmes, Alabama, Lisa Shepard (Joey) of Denham Springs, Louisiana; one Brother, Michael Blanton of Denham Springs, Louisiana; three grandchildren Patrick Perry, Felecia Grantham and Miriah Harris; two great-grandchildren, Brooklynn and Lucy Harris.

Visitation was held Friday, Dec. 3, 2021 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Saulters-Moore Funeral Home.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com