William Ward Blanchard, age 87, of Wallace left this life for his eternal rest on Friday, September 27, 2013 from the Brian Center of Wallace.

Born September 26, 1926 in Duplin County, he was the son of the late Ward Caswell and Pearl Carr Blanchard. He was also predeceased by his brother, Kenneth Blanchard and sister, Bettie Blanchard Hawes.

Mr. Blanchard graduated from Clement High School in 1943 where he served as his class Valedictorian. He was a 1950 graduate of NC State University where he studied civil engineering. He then served his country honorably in the US Navy during WWII and was a member and past Master of Masonic Lodge #279 A.F. & A.M. of Wallace. Mr. Blanchard was owner of William W. Blanchard Engineering and Land Surveying in Wallace for over 60 years where he operated his family business as long as his health permitted. He was a member of American Legion Post 156, a former member of Wallace Lions Club and a member of Wallace Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Blanchard was a devoted husband and caring father, grandfather and brother who loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed being outdoors and being the tree farmer that he was, he loved his pine trees. His work ethics and love for his family and friends helped him cultivate enduring friendships that sustained him through the dark days of his illness. He will surely be missed but precious memories of him will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved William Blanchard.

Surviving to cherish his memories is his wife of 62 years, Catherine LeGwin Blanchard,; children, Julie B. Case and fiance, Eric Yarbrough of Surf City and William "David" Blanchard and wife, Jennifer of Rose Hill; grandchildren, Kristen Case, Lauren Case, Peyton Blanchard, Dylan Blanchard, Abigail Blanchard; great-grandchildren, Zachary Loner, Case Loner, Bailey Case and Bryson Barber; brother, Ward C. Blanchard and wife, Joyce of Wallace and sisters, Mary Catherine Horne of Wilmington and Doris Blanchard Brooks of Wallace and numerous special nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 30, 2013 at Wallace Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Dr. Phillip Gladden and the Reverend Tim Wells officiating.

Graveside service with military honors and Masonic rites will follow the funeral service at Rockfish Memorial Cemetery in Wallace.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Wallace and other times at the Blanchard's home.

Memorial gifts may be given to Wallace Presbyterian Church, PO Box 717, Wallace, NC 28466, Rockfish Presbyterian Church, 6270 S NC Hwy 41, Wallace, NC 28466 or the Children's Home Society of NC, PO Box 14608 Greensboro, NC 27415.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Brian Center of Wallace for their kindness and compassionate care they gave to Mr. Blanchard.

You may send condolences to the Blanchard family by selecting our Memory Wall above.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 30, 2013 at Wallace Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Dr. Phillip Gladden and the Reverend Tim Wells officiating.

Graveside service with military honors and Masonic rites will follow the funeral service at Rockfish Memorial Cemetery in Wallace.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Wallace and other times at the Blanchardâ