Joseph Bateman Blanchard

The second of four children, Joe was the son of the late Dr. Irvin Thomas Blanchard, Jr. and Lois Bateman Blanchard of Elizabeth City, NC. Joe was predeceased by his sister Lois Jean Blanchard in 1952.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of fifty-five years Jean Arant Blanchard, his brother Irvin Thomas Blanchard, III (Diana), his sister Melinda Blanchard Wheeler (Gray), his sister-in-law Patricia Arant Minschew , many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and special God children.

As a graduate of East Carolina University, Joe proudly served in the US Coast Guard Reserve. He was affiliated with First Union National Bank in Durham, NC and then was Director of Sales with Arant Lumber Company in New Bern, NC. Later, Joe was associated with Riverside Forest Products, LLC in Augusta, Ga. He was an active hunter and fisherman.

A celebration of life is planned for 2:00pm Friday, January 9,2026 in the sanctuary of Garber Methodist Church, Trent Woods, NC. Reception to follow.

Flowers are welcome; however, memorials may be made in his memory to Craven Community College Scholarship Fund, 800 College Court, New Bern, NC 28562 or to a charity of your choice.