Rincon - Reuben Aaron Blanchard, 81, died Wednesday, December 8, 2004 at Westview Nursing Home and Rehab in Port Wentworth, GA under the care of Hospice after an extended illness. Reuben was born on July 15, 1923 to the late James Wilson Blanchard and Frankie Paschal Blanchard, in McDuffie County, GA. It was there that he grew up and later attended Thomson High School until he left in 1941 to serve our country in World War II at the age of 17. During the war he served in the US Navy as Youman Second Class from 1941-1946 aboard the USS RANGER aircraft carrier. In 1946 he returned home to Thomson, GA, where he was employed at the Blanchard Funeral Home. In 1952, while in Thomson he met and married his wife of 41 years, Ann Thomason of Madison, GA. In 1959 he and his wife had a daughter, Annette A. Blanchard. In 1962 he moved with his family to Sparta where he joined his brother in business at the Sparta Feed and Seed. It was there that he became very well known and respected throughout the Sparta community. After his retirement, Reuben served as the manager of the Sparta VFW club for 11 years. The members and visitors of the VFW greatly admired him for his generousity, service, and hospitality. After the passing of his wife Ann in 1993, Reuben remained in Sparta for four years until 1997 when he moved to Rincon, GA to be close to his daughter, Annette. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Springfield, GA. Reuben, affectionately known as "kitten" for his gentleness, southern charm, and love for his animals, will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Annette A. Blanchard of Rincon, GA; sister, Hazel Blanchard of Thomson, GA, sister and brother-in-law, Edna and Dick Thurott of Sequim, WA; his loving caregivers, Martha Rahn of Guyton, GA and Popie Wright of Rincon, GA; many other relatives; and his little companion dog, Sweetie. Visitation: 6 -8 p.m. Thursday at the Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. Graveside Services: 2 p.m. Friday,