Willie Blanding Sr.

September 18, 1924 - March 15, 2021

Willie Blanding Sr., son of the late William Blanding and the late Bertha Grant Soto, was born September 18, 1924, in Dalzell, Sumter County, South Carolina. Raised by the late “Momma” Helena Blanding in the farming area of Sumter County, Willie was educated in the public schools of Sumter, and at an early age was baptized at the High Hill Baptist Church. In 1944, Willie relocated to Steelton, Pennsylvania, to escape the rigors of farm life. In 1945, he joined the United States Army and served an honorable tour of duty. Thereafter, Willie returned to Steelton where he accepted employment with Bethlehem Steel Company, Steelton Plant, retiring after thirty-one years of service. Willie met and married his love, the late Ruth Long. Their union was blessed with four beautiful children. Willie united in Christian fellowship with The First Baptist Church of Steelton, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, under the pastorate of the late Reverend E. L. Green and served faithfully with the Trustee and Choir Ministries. Upon his retirement from the Bethlehem Steel Company, Willie relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he accepted employment with the Marshall L. Shepherd Village retiring after sixteen years of service. In Philadelphia, he united with the membership of the Pinn Memorial Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Frank B. Mitchell. He faithfully served on the Trustee Board, Usher Board, Van Committee, Bible Study Class and with the Pinn Memorial Federal Credit Union. In 2013, Willie returned to the Harrisburg/Steelton area where he remained until his transition. There, he again joined in Christian fellowship with his home church, The First Baptist Church of Steelton under the pastorate of Rev. Walter S. Thomas Jr. Willie truly loved his family. He was a very sociable guy who loved being well-dressed, and he especially enjoyed the fellowship of those around him. Willie never forgot a family member or a friend. He always stayed in contact with family and friends no matter where they resided. He was well-known for sharing old-time stories and was always ready to share or lend a helping hand when needed. One of his greatest joys was the loving relationships he shared with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, the Dallas Cowboys, the Los Angeles Dodgers, traveling, shooting pool and playing pinochle. On Monday, March 15, 2021, at the blessed age of ninety-six, Willie was received into the Everlasting Loving Arms of his Creator and Savior Jesus Christ joining in eternal life his parents; two sons, David Keith Blanding and Joseph Curtis; three brothers, John Blanding, Henry Blanding, William Blanding; and three sisters, Lois “Mickie” Bolden, Edna Mayrant and Edith Melvin. Willie leaves to honor and cherish his legacy three children, Deborah Renee Blanding Davis of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Willie Blanding Jr. of Carrollton, Texas, and Karen E. Blanding of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; as well as a host of grandchildren; great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY YOUR NAME. CLICK ON THE PHOTOS & VIDEOS ON-LINE STREAMING OF SERVICE TAB OR MEDIA TAB (MOBILE) AND TRIBUTE WEBCAST TO VIEW SERVICE.