Obituary of Albert Blanding, Jr.

CAMDEN – Mr. Albert Blanding Jr., 74, earned his Angel Wings on Thursday, December 3, 2020 peacefully at home with his wife, Viola Engram, by his side. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in Fort Jackson National Cemetery with a meet and greet from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. at Powers Funeral Home.

He was the eldest child born to the late Geneva Fleming and Albert “Jay” Blanding, Sr. He especially enjoyed gardening and caring for his carnivorous plants, and Koi ponds.

He received his religious teachings from his “God Fearing Mother”, Sister Geneva, and his Youth Leader, Aunt Gabell F. Thorne at Gordon Street Church of God, where he was baptized and remained an active member. There were several leaders who led him throughout his Christian journey, including Rev. Willie M. Outing and Pastor Claretha B. Free, who united Albert and Viola in Holy matrimony. After marriage, he joined St. Matthew United Methodist Church while they remained active members at Gordon Street Church of God.

Left to cherish his fond memories are his wife, Viola “Kathy” Engram of Camden, S.C.; children, Gertrude Miles, Albert Germaine Blanding, Lynell Blanding, Marcus Blanding, and Sharell Blanding; step-son, Donte Grant; 2 grandchildren raised in the home from birth, Keiaunte’ Makaila and Reginald Tyrell Grant; other grand-children, great-grand, a “Special and Devoted Sister”, Geneva Althea (David) Jones, and a special brother-in-law, Clifton D. Engram who called him "Pop"; a host of cousins, sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, friends and “Special Pets”, Hannah, Jigger, and Patty. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald “Moss” Blanding; sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.

Special thanks to KershawHealth Hospice, Chaplin Andrew Weems, First Light Home Care (Ms. Deborah Jefferson), Prisma Health Richland and Palmetto Baptist.