Bill Blanchard

Bill Blanchard was born on December 21, 1954, in Newfoundland, Canada, to Kenneth Ray Blanchard, Sr. and Francis Deloris Hutto. He passed away on June 12, 2026, in Oglesby, Texas.

Bill served in the United States Army and Navy, enlisting at age 17 with his father’s blessing. The military life was all too familiar to him. Born on a military base in Canada and a childhood spent in Germany and Ft. Hood, Texas, becoming a soldier came naturally to him. In the Army, he served in the Vietnam War where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal: Marksman (Rifle). After his Army service ended, he enlisted in the Navy believing he would be spared combat in the jungles of Vietnam. Immediately, he was on an Aircraft Carrier headed to Saigon. He witnessed the fall of Saigon as an active participant.

Bill enjoyed hiking, camping, hunting arrowheads, and spending time outdoors. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, and loved animals, rock and roll, Native American culture, America, the 4th of July, and well-done steaks. Some of his best times were spent on his grandparents’ farm in Gatesville.

He is preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Opal Lucille Blanchard; infant son, William Andrew Blanchard; infant daughter, Mara Cheyanne Blanchard; and brother, Erroll Wade Blanchard.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Harley Rayanne Blanchard Pickett (Devin), of Cooper, Texas; sister, Bonnie Blanchard Richmond (Mike); brothers, Kenneth Ray Blanchard, Jr. and David Batey; granddaughters, Allison Grace Pickett and Lucy Kate Pickett (expected August 2026); nephews, Jason Blanchard, Farone Richmond, and Lucas Richmond; and niece, Jasmine McKain.

Memorials may be made to Twin Rotors Mission, 112 Tomahawk Dr. Greenville, Texas 75402, or to twinrotorsmission.org.

“There is no greater agony than bearing as untold story inside you.”    ~Maya Angelou