Clarence Douglas "Doug" Blanchard

BURLINGTON - Clarence Douglas "Doug" Blanchard, born October 9, 1933 in Burlington, NC, passed away on June 29, 2017 in Greensboro, NC.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Clinton Blanchard, his mother Esther Self Blanchard and sister, Joan Blanchard Fuquay.

He leaves two daughters, Laurel Blanchard Edwards (John) and grandson, John Douglas Edwards of Cincinnati, OH and Nancy Blanchard LaMuraglia (Jamie) and grandson Thomas Blanchard LaMuraglia and granddaughter, Anne MacMillan LaMuraglia of Greensboro, NC.

He graduated from the College of Textiles at NC State University in 1955 where he was a member of the Golden Chain Honor Society. Upon graduation, he immediately began working at Burlington Industries. Within a year of employment, he was offered a Spencer Love Scholarship to attend Harvard Business School where he obtained an MBA in 1958.

After graduation, he returned to Burlington Industries as President of Burlington Throwing Company. In the mid 60s, he became CEO of Blanchard Yarn Company until its closing. Doug was CEO and owner of Spectrum Dyed Yarns, a package dyer of textile yarns for the knitting and weaving industries from 1972 until its close in 2008.

He was an Honorary Member of the NC Textile Foundation and he established an endowed merit scholarship fund for the foundation thru Spectrum Dyed Yarns. This scholarship is for students at the College of Textiles at NC State University majoring in textile chemistry.

Doug was very active and traveled the world extensively. He loved the outdoors and hiking in the mountains. He gave generously to the North Carolina Outward Bound School and his contributions made a tremendous impact on the school and the lives of many student scholars.

He was an avid runner for many years and ran in several marathons, including the New York City marathon – an accomplishment of which he was very proud.

A service will be held at Pine Hill Cemetery (columbarium) in Burlington, NC on August 5 at 11 a.m.

Gifts in memory of C. Douglas Blanchard can be made to the Spectrum Endowed Scholarship, College of Textiles, NC State.

Checks should be made to the NC Textile Foundation and sent to NC Textile Foundation, 1020 Main Campus Dr. Raleigh, NC 27606, or by visiting www.https://textiles.ncsu.edu/giving.

Memorials may also be made to the American Heart Association.

Forbis & Dick N. Elm Chapel is serving the Blanchard family. Online condolences can be made at www.forbisanddick.com.