Charles Tracy Blanford

As a young boy growing up in the small community of Ola, he was known as Tracy. While enlisted in the Army and during his working career, he was known as Charlie.

Born on May 21, 1925, in Campbell County, Georgia (formerly a part of Henry County), he was the third of five children born to John Francis Blanford and Barbara Grace Jenkins Blanford. Tracy graduated McDonough High School April 19, 1943, when there were only 11 grades.

He enlisted in U.S. Army May 29, 1944, and shipped out as a soldier in the 1289th Combat Engineers for overseas duty in Germany until WWII ended and later transferred to the Philippines. He was honorably discharged on May 14, 1946. He was a proud Veteran!

After he returned home from the war, Tracy met and "courted" Billie; their favorite place to eat was Fresh Air BBQ in Indian Springs. When asked, neither of them could remember how long the courtship lasted, but on March 21, 1948, he married the love of his life "until death do us part".

In 1949 he decided to try his hand at carpentry, after several unfulfilling attempts at other careers. Thus began his lifelong love of woodworking! He joined Local 225 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters on April 11, 1949, and remained a loyal member throughout retirement. Tracy was their oldest member for several years. He was the proud recipient of service pins beginning at 5 years up to and including 75 years. He retired from "paid employment" in 1985.

His love of carpentry is evidenced by his 39 years of continued creativity in woodworking during "retirement." Every family member and many friends are proud owners of at least one of his unique handcrafted pieces. One of his favorite projects was making 3 legged tables. There was no such thing as a scrap piece of wood in his shop -- it was just pieces he hadn't used yet.

As father and grandfather, he taught us by example: positivity, good work ethics, gratitude for what was provided as good and plenty. He was a good listener but did not hold back if you messed up and needed to make something right.

He was mischievous and fun loving... he was looking forward to his 100th birthday and having a BIG PARTY.

He was predeceased by his parents; sisters Margarette Starrett, Frances Thompson, Maureen Cook and brother George Blanford, daughter-in law Debbie Collins Blanford; sons-in law Phil Crawford, Herb Downton, Travis Belcher, David Nicholson and grandsons Bradley Nicholson and Michael Nicholson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 76 years, Billie (Evye Lois Cook Blanford), their children: Linda Crawford, John Blanford, Margie Belcher, Janice Nicholson, Joyce Nicholson and Edward Blanford, 16 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, cousins and three sisters-in-law.