Lemmie J was born in Tifton, Georgia to John Julian and Daisy Mae Blanchard on January 9, 1944. He quite literally married the girl next door, Lynda Merritt, whom he had known since the age of 10. They married on July 29, 1967 in Lutz. He worked as a ranch hand at the Circle O Ranch until he started his own home remodeling business in the early 80’s. He also volunteered with the Land O’Lakes ambulance service in the early 70’s.
Lemmie J was an honest and hardworking man, a quiet man with a gentle spirit. He was always willing to lend a hand when someone needed help. He maintained many lifelong friendships and was the kind of friend people could count on. Whether it was making home repairs, giving someone a ride, running an errand, or simply helping with whatever needed to be done, Lemmie J was always there to lend a hand.
As a young man, he loved working on cars and drag racing. Later in life his favorite things were playing cards, finding treasures at the flea market, stockpiling tools and home repair items. His grandchildren share fond memories of early morning breakfasts at Cracker Barrel with their grandpa, who seemed to consider arriving before the doors even opened a competitive sport. Nothing brought him more joy than his grandchildren and great-grandchilden. He loved to buy toys for the grandchildren, especially riding toys.
Lemmie J is preceded in death by his great-grandson, Thomas, 6 brothers and 7 sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lynda; sons: Jerry (Janet), Rodney (Mary) and Eric (Mandie); grandchildren: Jera, Jordan (Nick), Jacob (Sara), Carli, LaClay, Bentley and Beckem; 8 great-grandchildren: Jameson, Frances, John, Emma, Lucas, William, Owen and Whitley; and one sister, Diane Fields.
Visitation will be held at Thonotosassa Church of God, 11702 Taylor Rd, Thonotosassa, FL 33592, US, on October 2, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
A Committal Service will take place at Historic Lutz Cemetery, Inc., 19209 US-41 Ste 200, Ste 200, Lutz, FL 33549, US, on October 2, 2026, from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm.
