September 11, 58
James Earl “Buddy” Blizzard II, 58, native and long-time resident of the White Flash community near Mount Olive, died Sunday morning, September 11, at Wayne Hospital.
Born in Germany when his father was serving in the armed forces, Buddy grew up a country boy, and in being so, he assisted his parents in their farming operation and also at the family business, Charlie Blizzard’s Store and Blizzard Farm Supply. He enjoyed fishing, the outdoors, watching television, especially old westerns, and was a large racing fan. A “people person,” he enjoyed rides on his golf cart, was mischievous and was always full of tricks to play on others. He had enjoyed a special relationship with his Granny Essie (Blizzard Hill) until her passing.
He graduated from East Duplin High School with the class of 1976 and attended N. C. State University. He was employed in various positions, but his tenure as mechanic at Mt. Olive Pickle Company was among the most notable. In recent years, he had been disabled due to severe health issues and had been a resident of Genesis Health Care in Mount Olive for the past few years.
Buddy is survived by two sons, James Earl Blizzard III and Justin Blizzard, both of Seven Springs; his mother, Doris Thompson Blizzard of Mount Olive; two sisters, Kathy Blizzard Hill and husband, Herman, of Mount Olive, and Karen Blizzard Halso of Leland; two nieces, Logan Hill and Taylor Halso; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Buddy was preceded in death by an infant son, Joseph Edward Blizzard, and his father, David Earl “Charlie” Blizzard.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 13, at 7 p.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home, officiated by the Rev. Dennis Guy, with visitation to follow. Burial will be in the Blizzard Family Cemetery following a graveside committal service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 14. At other times, friends and family may call at his boyhood home, the home of his mother at 281 Washboard Avenue, Mount Olive.
Memorial gifts may be made to American Diabetes Assoc.-Raleigh Office, 2481 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 206, Raleigh, NC 27607, or Garner’s Chapel Baptist Church, c/o Derald Smith, 4372 U.S. Hwy. 13 North, Goldsboro, NC 27530.