Thomas James Blaich Jr.

Thomas James Blaich, Jr. June 10, 1921 - April 7, 2010 COLUMBUS, GA— Funeral services with military honors provided by the Alex. City Honor Guard for Mr. Thomas James Blaich, Jr., will be held at Flint Hill United Methodist Church in Alexander City on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. before the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Brian Pierce, Michael Pierce, Tommy Pierson, Scott Brubaker, David Skinner, and Richard Hodges. He is survived by his three daughters, Carol Pierce (Frank), Jane Brubaker (Richard), and Lynn Hodges (Del); seven grandchildren, Christy Skinner (David) Brian Pierce, Michael Pierce (Nicole), Tommy Pierson, Scott Brubaker (Lindsay), Janice Bramen (Patrick) and Emily Brubaker; eight great grandchildren, Mackenzie Pierce, Cara Skinner, Adrianna Pierce, Sam Brubaker, Drew and Alex Braman and Jonathan Pierson; sister, Mildred Hicks; sister-in-law, Lil Norris; brothers-in-law, Ray Lackey and Mac Heaton (Linda) and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Bettie and brother, Pete Blaich. Thomas James Blaich Jr. was born on June 10, 1921 to Thomas James Blaich Sr. & Emma Samuels Blaich in Birmingham, AL. He grew up in Birmingham, AL. He joined the U.S. Navy the day after the attack in Pearl Harbor and served in the Pacific on two ships Ð the USS Barnes (aircraft carrier) and the USS Superior AM311 (minesweeper). After the war he went to work for Alabama Gas Corporation in 1946 as a service mechanic. He loved playing on the company's championship softball team. On September 19, 1948 he married Bettie Heaton. They lived in Birmingham and raised their family of three daughters. They were active members of the Friendship Class at East Lake United Methodist Church. After 38 years with Alabama Gas he retired and move with Bettie to Lake Martin where they joined Flint Hill United Methodist Church. He was active in the 50+ Club, Friendship Sunday School Class, volunteering in the office and had special joy singing in the choir. In 2007 he moved to Columbus, GA to an Assisted Living Community, Magnolia Manor. He greeted all with a song and a smile. He was known as "Dudley Do Right" by residents and staff because "he always tried to do right". He died April 7, 2010 at Columbus Regional Medical Center. He loved the Lord Jesus with all his heart and shared this love with family and friends. His favorite song was "No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus". Memorial messages may be sent to www.bassfuneralhome.net Bass Funeral Home in Alex. City is honored to serve the Blaich Family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Flint Hill UMC, 2858 Flint Hill Rd., Alexander City, AL 35010.