Preston Blanchard Obituary

Preston Blanchard Jr.

Preston Joseph "PJ," "Frenchi," Blanchard Jr., 92, of Brunswick, passed away Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at his residence after a short illness.

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

Preston graduated high school in 1952 from Holy Name of Mary in Algiers, Louisiana, where he was on the high school football team. After graduating high school Preston 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. Preston and Mary Etta Jacobs were married July 29, 1954. They were married for 62 loving years until Mary's passing in 2016.

Preston had a degree in carpentry that he received in New Orleans. He built his home in Magnolia Park in Brunswick in 1961, as that subdivision was beginning. He lived in that home until his passing. He enjoyed playing golf, where he made a hole-in-one at Coastal Pines Golf course, he taught himself how to play the accordion, he enjoyed researching his family genealogy; he also loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved the Georgia Bulldogs, LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints.

PJ worked for the City of Brunswick Fire Department where he dedicated 34 years of service, retiring in 1996. He began as a firefighter and promoted to Captain while being the city fire and building inspector. He also was very involved in teaching fire prevention to people of all ages, from young school children to adults. PJ would dress up as Sparky the Dalmatian to teach fire prevention at the local schools. He and Mary attended and hosted many State Firefighters Conventions.

He was a member of several local organizations including the Knights of Columbus (Fourth Degree) 51 years, attending many state conventions, American Legion Post No. 9 for 46 years and Brunswick Exchange Club 58 yrs. 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. PJ 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.

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

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

Viewing and Rosary will be from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home. Frenchi loved Mardi Gras; we ask that if you have Mardi Gras colors, please wear them in his memory.

The funeral Mass will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

A reception will follow after the service at the Exchange Club Fairgrounds. Everyone is invited to attend.

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

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home, www. edomillerandsons.com, is in charge of the arrangements.

Family-placed obituary

The Brunswick News, September 20, 2025