Bruce Blasingame

THOMSON - Lawrence Bruce Blasingame, 81, died Tuesday, April 13, 2010, at Doctors Hospital.

A native of Oconee County, he lived in Thomson since 1953. He was the son of the late Lovett Marcus and Cora Dial Blasingame. Mr. Blasingame was preceded in death by a daughter, Lee Anne Blasingame Ferguson. He served in the United States Marine Corps. He received a B.S. degree from Piedmont College and a M.ED from Georgia Southern University. Mr. Blasingame retired from the McDuffie County Board of Education where he made a career as former teacher, coach and as principal of Thomson High School. He served as JTPA program director and was former Chairman of the Board of Elections. He was a past member and President of the Exchange Club, past member of the Thomson Rotary Club, member of the Georgia Retired Educators, past President of the Retired Teachers Association and was instrumental in starting Little League Baseball for McDuffie County. He was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Thomson, a member of the J.O.Y. Sunday School Class and also served as former Chairman of the Administrative Board for the church.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Lora Lancaster Blasingame; a son, Ben Blasingame and wife Janie Kate of Thomson; grandchildren, Mary Beth Blasingame, Sarah Kate Blasingame, Clay Blasingame, Marcus Ferguson and Mollie Ferguson.

Memorial services were held Friday, April 16, at the First United Methodist Church with the Revs. John Barnes and Charles Broome officiating. Honorary pallbearers were George Lokey, Bob Wilson Jr., Teddy Reese, Mike Perry, Alex Ferguson Jr., Charles Johnson, Paul Leroy and Jim Alfriend.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to First United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 8, Thomson, GA 30824.

Beggs Funeral Home, Thomson, was in charge of arrangements.