Byron West Blanchard

Byron West Blanchard of Kingston departed this life May 7, 2006 at Roane Medical Center in Harriman. Born October 25, 1923, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he graduated from Chattanooga High School and Draughns Business School and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Knoxville. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, serving on the USS YMS 179 mine sweeper in the Mediterranean and stationed in Key West and California. In 1952 he moved to Kingston as partner of Bryson Oil Company. He later managed the Peggy Ann Truck Stop in Rockwood, B & C Construction Company in Knoxville and retired from Johnson City Chemical Company in Lenoir City. He was a charter member and Elder of West Hills Presbyterian Church in Harriman, serving as treasurer of the Missions Committee and choir member. Dedicated to serving his fellow man, he was a lifetime member of the Kingston Optimist Club and served as Commissioner of Kingston Dixie Youth Baseball, was active in the Civil Air Patrol, Chairman of the Roane County United Way Board, Treasurer for Boy Scout Troop 101, member of Harriman Lions Club, board member of Roane County Salvation Army, board member of Michael Dunn Center, board member of Mid-East Community Action Agency, served on the Kingston Planning Commission and was a member of the Roane Choral Society. He was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. George E. and Ida Sparks Blanchard and sister-in-law Dorothy Bryson Sebastian. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Virginia Bryson Blanchard, daughter Patricia Blanchard, son and daughter-in-law David and June Blanchard, sons Michael and Wade Blanchard, all of Kingston: brother and sister-in law Dr. George E. Blanchard and wife Mary Jane and niece, Jane Blanchard all of Chattanooga: sister-in law and husband Peggy and Stan Cook of Kingston: Brother-in law Rex Sebastian of Dallas: other nieces and nephews: grandchildren Tim and Justin Earl, Graham and Connor Blanchard: and a host of extended family members and friends. Receiving of friends will be Wednesday, May 10 at Kyker’s Funeral Home in Harriman from 6-8 PM. The funeral will be held on Thursday, May 11 at West Hills Presbyterian Church in Harriman at 1:00 PM, the Rev. Jeff Jenkins and Father Michael Sweeney officiating, with internment to follow at Roane Memorial Gardens in Rockwood. Memorial donations may be made to West Hills Presbyterian Church Missions Fund. 506 West Hills Drive, Harriman, TN 37748.

Byron West Blanchard

October 25, 1923 - May 7, 2006