Johnny "Wayne" Blanton, 83, of Columbus, MS, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025, at his residence.

Visitation will be Monday, August 4, 2025, from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at  Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. Funeral Service will be Monday, August 4, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS with Bro. Kenny Gardner officiating. Interment will be at Ebenezer Cemetery in Millport, Alabama. Lowndes Funeral Home, entrusted with all arrangements.

Wayne was born January 6, 1942, in Lamar County, Alabama, to the late Freeman Blanton and Opal Bolen Blanton. He worked as a truck driver and diesel mechanic most of his life. Wayne loved racing cars and motorcycles. He was a great teacher and taught others how to drive and fix vehicles. Wayne enjoyed spending time at the lake and water skiing when he was young. He was an avid NASCAR and Alabama football fan. Wayne was able to excel in anything he did. In addition to his parents, Wayne is preceded in death by his siblings- Jerry Blanton, Raybon Blanton, Bobby Joe Blanton, Kathy Bell, and his son-in-law, Mahlon Vickery, Jr.

Wayne is survived by his wife – Shirley Blanton from Columbus, MS; daughter- Donna Vickery from Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren- Adam Wayne (Rachel) Smith from Texas, Jason Scott (Rachel) Smith from Oklahama, Mahlon Vickery, III and Amber (Jake) Hendrickson, all from Atlanta, Georgia; great grandchildren- Kaleb and Blake Smith from Texas, Haylee, Sierra, and Samantha Smith from Oklahama, Ayla, Anna, and  Ali Vickery from Atlanta, Georgia; and sister JoAnn (Randy) Sullivan from Clarksville, Tennessee.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Blanton, Garrett Weaver, Michael Matthews, Scotty Matthews, Jeff Matthews,  Stephen Matthews, and Roy Blanton. Honorary Pallbearer will be Gary Weaver.