William N. Blackard Jr., known to all who knew him as “Tod”, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Tuesday, October 26, at his home in Summerville, SC.
He was born on April 29, 1962, in Winston Salem, NC, to Pat and Bill (W.N. Sr,) Blackard. Tod graduated from Henrico High School in Richmond, VA, and attended Old Dominion Commonwealth University. With an entrepreneurial spirit, he left college to own and operate a well and irrigation business for several years in the Virginia Beach area.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Tod transitioned from running his own business to helping a friend grow an automotive brake company from a 1,500 sq. ft. office/warehouse to a 50,000 sq. ft. purpose-built facility. Always happiest solving problems and increasing productivity, Tod joined Nolan Company in Winston Salem, NC, where he worked in sales and became a branch manager.
For the past 12 years, Tod was a contract employee and logistics specialist for asset management companies in government and private industries in the Charleston area.
An avid lover of the ocean, boating and fishing, Tod was happiest on the water behind a boat’s wheel, or repairing anything for anyone. He was a multifaceted fixer and inventor of fun contraptions (i.e., The Potato Launcher) that he shared at family gatherings. Tod loved creative cooking, especially if it involved a grill and spicy foods. He was convinced everything is better with some Tabasco sauce.
In 2002, Tod married Pamela Richardson from Kernersville, NC. They have a daughter, Nichole Ann, who has inherited his love of cars, music and being near the water.
Tod’s passing leaves an emptiness in the hearts of his family and friends who loved his sense of humor and his epic stories. Anyone who knew Tod was touched by his unwavering faith, and his willingness to help those in need -- whether they were friends or complete strangers.
He is survived by his parents, his wife and daughter, his sister, Lorie Gardner (Tim), his brother, Bradley Blackard (Karen), and his nieces, Amanda Gardner Applegate (Rob), and Camryn Blackard, his brother-in-laws Lee Richardson (Rhonda), Mike Richardson (Jami) and nieces Hali and Amanda, nephews Josh, Jeffery and Austin, and finally, his faithful canine companion, Bubbzie.
There will be a celebration of Tod’s life at Mount Tabor United Methodist Church, 2543 Robinhood Road, Winston-Salem, NC, on December, 11th, 2021 at 1:00 pm.
Bless Backer and Quacker, amen.
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