Thomas David Blanchard Sr.

Harbinger-Thomas David Blanchard Sr., 60, a Currituck County native, passed away peacefully at his residence Tuesday, December 20th, surrounded by family & friends he loved after a courageous battle with brain and lung cancer.

He was the son of the late Lewis and Ruby Blanchard.

Tommy is survived by his loving wife and devoted caregiver, Bonny; two sons, Thomas D. Blanchard, Jr. and wife, Alaina of Kitty Hawk, and Adam Markert of Coinjock; two daughters, Nicole Sellers and husband, Bill of Rock Mount; Sarah Markert Michael and husband, Andy of Kill Devil Hills; six grandchildren, Nick, Nora and Liam Sellers, Olin Blanchard, Weslee and Trent Michael; sisters, Anita Williams of Virginia Beach, Carolyn Litchfield; brothers, James Blanchard & wife, Pong of Virginia Beach, Wayne Blanchard & wife, Debbie, of Elizabeth City, Charles Edwin Blanchard & wife, Diane, of Atlantic Beach, NC and sister-in-law, Rosa Blanchard of Shawboro. He was predeceased by a brother, Lewis Blanchard and sister, Ann Wendling.

Tommy was a self-employed Electrical, Heating & Air Contractor servicing the Outer Banks and Currituck County. He earned an engineering degree and was a graduate of ODU and NC State University. In 1971, he was the youngest licensed electrical contractor in the state of North Carolina. Tommy was a member of Duck United Methodist Church.

Tommy was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed surfing, snow skiing, and was an avid golfer. He will always be remembered for his entertaining adventures and life stories he always spoke of with a twinkle in his eye. He was known to always put a smile on everyone’s face.

The family would like to thank his many friends, co-workers of Johnson, Burgess, Mizelle & Straub and volunteers; Hands of Hope, Currituck Road to Recover and Sharon United Methodist Church; who supplied special meals and outings. Also, thanks to Carawan Seafood for the special steamed shrimp. Special thanks to Community Home Hospice, Betsey Kelly, Cancer Advocate and Deb Jones, Nurse Navigator of UNC and Elizabeth Wentz, CNA.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Tommy’s memory to UNC Children’s Cancer Hospital, Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters Cancer Center (CHKD), the Outer Banks Relief Foundation or the the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group.

The memorial service will be held at Duck United Methodist Church Friday December 23, 2011 at 2 pm. The reverend John Tyson will officiate. In accordance with Tommy wishes his cremated remains will be dispersed privately over his favorite fishing spot.
Condolences to the family may be expressed via the online register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc was entrusted with arrangements.