Earl R. Blanchard

Earl R. Blanchard, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at his residence in Enigma. He was born on January 22, 1937, in Alapaha, Georgia to his parents, John "Shine" Elvin Blanchard and Willie D. Woods Blanchard. Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by an infant sister.  After the passing of his Dad, Earl's mother remarried Thomas Lawhorne, who became very special to Earl.

Friends and loved ones are invited to pay their respects at Earl's Funeral Service, which will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Albritton Funeral Directors with Rev. Marshall Kennedy officiating. The interment will follow at Tift Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends at Albritton Funeral Directors on Thursday evening, December 28, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M.

Kyle Phelps, Donnie Sills, Darrell Woods, Donald Woods, Roger Woods, Tommy Tucker, Gary Tucker, and Kenny Tucker will serve as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be, Steve Gill, Wayne and Sally Franks, and the members of Corinth Freewill Baptist Church.

Earl attended schools in Berrien and Tift Counties before joining the U. S. Army National Guard.  He gave eight years of service to his country along with six months of active duty.   During his younger years he was very active in the area softball city leagues and on Sundays, he loved to play golf.  Earl loved farming, but made his living working in the Television sales and service business.  In 1985 he purchased Orr's T.V. where he had worked since 1968, then he retired in 2009. April 13, 1994, Earl married his soulmate and companion when he married Patsy Phelps Blanchard. Their union was one of unwavering devotion. They shared twenty-nine years of love and happiness together.  
He faithfully attended and paid his tithes at Corinth Freewill Baptist Church in Brookfield. Earl also enjoyed laughing and fishing with his sons and then later with his grandson, Tracy and foster son, Austin.  They would fish and shoot guns for hours wondering over his farm in Enigma.  In order to keep the boys entertained, he would also take them shopping at all the Dollar General stores. When not riding around, Earl would spend hours watching his favorite Gun Smoke episodes.  He was known for always helping the less fortunate even when he could not afford it.  Many will remember that Earl and his wife Patsy were frequent patrons of The Waffle House where his foster son Austin cooked.

Along with his wife Patsy, he is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law, Randy Blanchard, Mark and Cindy Blanchard and his grandson, Tracy Blanchard. Over the years, he and Patsy welcomed Austin Hampton and his wife Anna into there home. Austin is  a special foster son, who Earl had considered his own child since Austin was three months old.  

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Hospice of Tift Area, P.O. Box 747, Tifton, Ga. 31793.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.