BRUNSWICK — Preston Joseph (PJ, Frenchi) Blanchard, Jr., 92 of Brunswick, passed away Saturday September 13, 2025 at his resident after a short illness.

Blanchard was born April 30, 1933 in Kaplin, La., to Preston Joseph Blanchard Sr. and Effie Broussard Blanchard.

He graduated high school in 1952 from Holy Name of Mary in Algeris, La., where he was on the high school football team. After graduating high school, Blanchard joined the U.S. Navy in 1952. He was stationed at NAS Glynco Naval base in Brunswick until 1954, where he met his future wife Mary Jacobs, at a USO dance at the Oglethorpe Hotel.

He and Mary loved to dance. They were married July 29, 1954 and together for 62 loving years until Mary’s passing in 2016.

Blanchard had a degree in carpentry he received in New Orleans. He built his home in Magnolia Park in Brunswick in 1961 as the subdivision was beginning. He lived in that home until his passing.

Blanchard enjoyed playing golf. He made a hole-in-one at Coastal Pines Golf course. Blanchard taught himself how to play the accordion.

Blanchard enjoyed researching his family genealogy and he also loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved the Georgia Bulldogs, LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints.

He worked for the City of Brunswick Fire department where he dedicated 34 years of service, retiring in 1996. Blanchard began as a firefighter and was promoted to captain while being the City Fire and Building Inspector.

Blanchard was also very involved in teaching fire prevention to people of all ages, from young school children to adults. He would dress up as Sparky the Dalmatian to teach fire prevention at the local schools. The Blanchards attended and hosted many State Firefighter’s Conventions.

Blanchard was a member of several local organizations including the Knights of Columbus (4th Degree) for 51 years attending many state conventions, American Legion post #9 for 46 years and the Brunswick Exchange Club for 58 years. He was the creator of “Chairman of Fire Prevention Week”, attending state and national conventions with his wife and continued after his wife’s passing.

Blanchard attended his last state convention in June in Helen and the National Convention in July in Kentucky. He was involved in the local Boys Club and Boy Scouts of America.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul Joseph Blanchard; wife, Mary; and grandson, Steven A. Pennington.

Blanchard is survived by his daughters, Sharon B (Randy) Griffin of Brunswick and Valeri B. (Jeff) Smith of Jacksonville, Fla.; one son, Keith A Blanchard of Brunswick; grandchildren Mari (Micheal) Harden of Tifton, Margo (Dustin) Pitts of Tifton, Marcus Griffin of Brunswick., Matthew (Emory) Griffin of Manchester, N.H., Jesse Blanchard of Nahunta and Lancie Blanchard of Jacksonville, Fla.; great grandchildren, Gavin Harden, Eli Harden, Brock Harden, Talan Pitts, Tatum Pitts, Penelope Griffin and Oliver Griffin; a great-great grandson; sister-in-law, Nette Blanchard; nephew, Josh (Nicole) Blanchard of Madisonville, La.; one cousin, Daniel Blanchard of Baton Rouge, La.; sisterin- law, Edith Barkley of Brunswick; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were his grandsons and great grandsons. Honorary pallbearers were the Brunswick City Fire Department, Brunswick Exchange Club, Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 9 and Roosevelt Harris Jr. Senior Citizen Center.

Viewing and Rosary was Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Edo Miller Funeral Home on Glynn Ave.

A funeral mass was held Monday September 22, 2025 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and School.

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home of Brunswick was in charge of arrangements.