James Allen Blanford, Jr.

James Allen “Jay” Blanford, Jr. 49, of Henderson passed away at 5:19 AM at St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville, IN. He was born in Henderson on January 11, 1965 to James “Jady” Blanford Sr. and Glynda (Sandefur) Blanford Jay was an avid sports fan and was looking forward to the upcoming football season. He loved spending time with friends and telling stories of his youth. Jay had been a member of the Air Force and was of the Baptist faith. He was a former Sheriff’s deputy and had been a service writer at many car dealerships. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Richard “Dick” Blanford and Lorene LaRue Blanford; Henry Sandefur and Anna (Thompson) Sandefur. He is survived by his parents, Jady and Glynda Blanford; three children, Britney Smith and her husband Andrew of Evansville, Mason Blanford and Kamren Blanford of Metropolis, IL; one grandson, Everett Smith; one sister, Tammy Mefford and her husband Jeff who was Jay’s friend since childhood, of Henderson; one niece, Brecca Mefford of Henderson and Nick Eliopulos of Henderson who he viewed as his own son. A memorial service will be 1:00 PM Tuesday at Community Baptist Church. Visitation will be 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Tuesday at Community Baptist Church. Pastor Tim Hobbs will officiate. There will be a bereavement dinner following the service.