John "Jay" Lloyd Blandford, II

John Lloyd "Jay" Blandford II, 64, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025.

Born on March 22, 1961, in Savannah, GA, Jay was the son of the late Mary Drew Harris Blandford and the late Brigadier General, John Lloyd Blandford.

Jay is preceded in death by his beloved relatives: Uncle James Blandford (Colonel Air Force – Vietnam Veteran – F4 Phantom pilot), Aunt Sheila Blandford (“She wore purple”), Uncle George Vaughn (“Ticket Master”), and Cousin Lisa Templin (the “Beautiful”).

Jay is survived by his wife, Crenna Porter Blandford; beloved Aunt Jane Vaughn (a true sister); Uncle Joseph Bernard Blandford Jr. (Air Force), brother, Jefferson Blandford, and nephews, Jacob “Jake” Blandford, Adam Blandford, and Griffin Blandford. He leaves behind a host of cousins and friends who also cherish his memory and will forever hold him in their hearts.

Jay was a caring, kind, loving, selfless, devoted, loyal and gentle soul to all he knew and met. He is now listening to Louis Armstrong (“Satchmo”) and Ella Fitzgerald, and dancing “The Carolina Shag” and swing music with Mom, Dad, Pappy, Granny, Uncle Jim, Aunt Sheila, Cousin Lisa, Dog Skeeter, and Johnny the Duck. Jay was the salutatorian of Marist High School (’79), graduate of The Citadel – Physics Degree (’83), Naval Seaman (’85-’86), career mason with multiple local Charleston companies, and lifelong Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs fan.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414 - West Ashley. A celebration of Jay's life will follow at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Thereafter, the celebration of Jay’s life shall continue at the American Legion, Post 179, Ashley Hall Road, Charleston, SC, 29407.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC 29409, Phone # (843) 953-5297, e-mail give@citadelfoundation.org).

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.