Russell Edwin Blanchard, Jr.

Russell Edwin Blanchard, Jr., 85, died on Sunday, December 28, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Connie Cook Blanchard, and by his brother, Warren Talmadge Blanchard.

A native of Augusta, he was born to the late Russell Edwin Blanchard, Sr. and Annie Laurie McKie Blanchard. He graduated from The Academy of Richmond County in 1958 and the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy in 1967. At UGA, he was a member of The Dixie Red Coat Band and played the clarinet. Following graduation, he began a career at The Lee-King Apothecary in Newnan, GA and then J.M. Fields in Augusta, then joined his father in ownership of Blanchard’s Pharmacy. He later worked as a pharmacist for St. Joseph Hospital and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center Hospitals in Augusta where he retired. Edwin was a lifelong member of The Hill Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, Wednesday night dishwasher, member of the Properties and Space Committee, member of the Benevolence Committee, and a devoted member of The Sunshine Class.

He was a man of many sayings that became known as “Bubbaisms” by his co-workers at the VA. Some favorites include “People are dying today that have never died before,” “I’ve never felt worse, had less, and needed more,” “I’m living on borrowed time,” and “Asmalavelapou.”

In 1978, Edwin was the winner of a contest by Norwich-Eaton Pharmaceuticals to promote one of its products. He and Connie won a weekend in New York City that included box seats to the NASL Soccer Championship game and received a soccer ball autographed by Pele. He also enjoyed trips to Athens and the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially Mount Pisgah.

Edwin had a wonderful sense of humor and was what is best described as “a character”. During a high-stakes pharmacy piggyback race, the sudden strain of carrying a co-worker proved too much for his trousers, resulting in a loud and mortifying split right down the seam. He returned home in hospital scrubs and asked Connie if they could be fixed. Having served communion for years at The Hill, he developed a method for utilizing IV syringes as a sterile but unconventional method for filling each cup to the perfect level without spilling a drop.

He is survived by three children: Connie Lee Blanchard, Russell Edwin Blanchard III, and Laurie Blanchard Vera. At the VA, he was known as “Bubba” and was excited to be named “Grandbubba” by his co-workers in anticipation of his first grandchild. He is survived by four grandchildren: Catherine Elizabeth Blanchard, Russell Edwin Blanchard IV (Number Four), Annie Elizabeth Vera, and Phillip “Hill” Sheldon Vera III. He was proud of their accomplishments and accolades, especially Catherine’s decision to be a fourth-generation Dawg at UGA, and Number IV’s decision to be a fourth-generation Musketeer at The Academy of Richmond County. He is also survived by his cat, Begonia, and his beloved grand dog Francis “Tank” Swamp Fox Marion.

The family would like to thank the staff at Claiborne at West Lake, especially Yvette and Brianna as well as his helper Jonathan. They would also like to thank the staff of Allay Hospice and KNB Caring Hands, especially Barbara, Jackie, Yvonne, and Kenyatta.

The funeral service will be held Friday, January 2, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. in the Storey Chapel at First Baptist Church of Augusta with Dr. Will Dyer officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 2:00 P.M., at the church. Interment will follow the service in Westover Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Russell Blanchard IV, Duncan Johnson Jr., The Honorable John Flythe, Bill Brown, and Duane Brown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to YMCA Camp Lakeside, c/o Donna Waite, 1058 Claussen Rd., Augusta, GA 30907.Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com