Turkey,

Raymond Wells “Buck” Blanchard, Jr., 89, of Turkey, passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Wake Medical Center. He passed as he lived, surrounded by family who loved him dearly. Buck, born February 25, 1936, in Sampson County, was the son of the late Raymond Wells Blanchard, Sr., and Bertha Beach Blanchard. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Shelby Gore Blanchard; children R. W. Blanchard, III (Lisa), Gayla Blanchard Johnson, John Wright Blanchard (Jennifer), Donna Blanchard (Jimmy), and Michele Blanchard (Trevor); twelve grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; his brothers, Jim Blanchard and Nick Blanchard, and his sister, Linda Sparks. Buck never met a stranger and always found a way to connect with everyone he met. He will be remembered for his quick wit, unwavering kindness, and his genuine love for serving his community. In addition to being a farmer all of his life, Buck was a veteran of the National Guard, a rural mail carrier for 38 years, a member of The Gideons International, and served as a board member of various organizations. Among these organizations were Star Telephone, Farm Bureau, and Four County Electric Membership Corporation, where he served on the board for 55 years. He was a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon for 64 years. He was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather. His greatest legacy is the faith, integrity, and love he instilled in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 3 PM, Sunday, December 14th at New Hope Baptist Church in Turkey with Pastor Tena Johnson, Rev. Danny Johnson and Rev. Tim Gore officiating. Interment will follow in the Blanchard Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM, Sunday at the church prior to the service and at other times at the home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to The Gideons International or New Hope Baptist Church in Buck’s memory. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.crumpler-honeycutt.com.