Joseph Rozier Blanchard passed away Thursday, July 14, 2022 surrounded by loved ones at his home in Charleston, South Carolina. Born in Winter Park, Florida on January 6, 1962 to George Robert Blanchard and Judith Katherine Rozier, Joe grew up with his three siblings in Tampa, Florida. During his childhood, Joe worked at his grandfather's machinery company, the Joseph L. Rozier Machinery Co., where he fell in love with the industry that was his life-long career.

Upon moving to South Carolina in 1987, Joe Blanchard has been an invaluable asset to the state. A strong business leader since becoming President of Blanchard Machinery Company in 1996, Joe not only grew the dealership to more than 700 employees across 12 branches statewide but he made a lasting impact on South Carolina businesses and communities as a whole.

Joe, who served as the Chairman of the Board for Columbia College, was awarded the institution's 2014 Medallion Award. Joe was inducted into the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame in 2015 in recognition of his many achievements. In 2019, Joe was named Business Leader of the Year by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. In 2021, Joe was named the University of South Carolina's Honorary Life Member for his contributions to the university and the community.

In addition to his many achievements, Joe served on numerous boards and committees. At the time of his death, Joe was a member of the Palmetto Business Forum, a board member for Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, South Carolina Council on Competitiveness and the Columbia Museum of Art, where he has previously served as Chairman of the Board. Joe was also the current Chairman of the Board for the South Carolina Mining Council.

Joe, along with his wife Melissa, was an avid arts lover and philanthropist in the state. The Blanchards sponsored many art exhibits that have brought countless visitors to the Columbia Museum of Art. The Blanchards also worked alongside Habitat for Humanity, The Riverbanks Society and Harvest Hope.

A very accomplished man, Joe Blanchard loved the state of South Carolina and was fortunate to call it home for 35 years. He was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor in the state, by Governor Henry McMaster before his death. His lasting impact on the state and his influence will be felt forever.

But, out of all his accomplishments and achievements, his family is his greatest legacy. Joe's home was the site of countless dinners among friends and family where he was known to serve the best wine and laugh often. Joe is predeceased by his father Bob, his mother Judy and his stepmother Sharon. Joe was the proud husband of Melissa, father of Rozier (Carrie), Boyd (Emilie), and Katherine (Davis), and grandfather of Harper, Bo, Henry, and Joe III. He is survived by his loving family, sister Elizabeth Blanchard; brothers Bob Jr. (Linda) and Bill Blanchard; stepbrother Bartley Rice (Charity) and his 16 nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Habitat for Humanity, the Riverbanks Zoo and Harvest Hope. A celebration of his incredible life will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at the Township Auditorium in Columbia, South Carolina at 11:00 am. All are welcome with love and appreciation.