CONFIRMED: William Blancett, Veteran, US Marine, Vietnam (102-26) 15 Jun 26
2117 Harry Wurzbach Rd
San Antonio, TX 78209
USA
US MARINE CORPS. VETERAN – VIETNAM WAR
The family of Mr. William Blancett, a US Marine Corps. Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
William Walter (Bill) Blancett, 76, died peacefully under hospice care at his home in Everett, WA on March 8, 2026 in the presence of his wife and son. Bill was born on April 17, 1949 in Long Branch, WV.
He and his sister were adopted as preschoolers and lived in Fairmont, WV until the family moved to Lancaster, OH in 1955. During high school, he was on the wrestling team, played clarinet in the marching band and began a life-long devotion to playing electric guitars, starting with a neighborhood garage band.
After graduation in 1967, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He had wanted to become a Navy Corpsman, but the Navy recruiter was absent the day he went to the joint recruiting office. Following boot camp, Bill was shipped to Vietnam, where he served with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines (MIKE 3/7). On Aug. 12, 1968, while on night watch with his platoon in a house in Bo Ban Hamlet, Quang Nam Province, Viet Cong lobbed grenades into the house. With no hesitation, L/Cpl Kenneth Worley, 20, threw himself on the grenade nearest his unit. He died in the blast, saving 5 of his band of brothers. For that act, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Bill gratefully honored Worley’s sacrifice by wearing a POW/MIA style metal bracelet bearing Worley’s name, rank, and date of death. As with many war veterans, his experiences in Vietnam deeply affected his life, and he struggled to process those unforgettable events by writing about them.
Following discharge from the Marines, Bill enjoyed a successful career in the aerospace industry, and worked for several defense contractors, the last being Boeing in Everett. He enjoyed playing guitar until his health no longer would allow it, was devoted to Pugs he named Ed Smith and Walter, enjoyed visits to casinos and indulged in scratch-off tickets. He had a wry sense of humor, creating characters he drew with Sharpies on the outside of care packages to his daughter and grandchildren. They, along with postal carriers, delighted in the adventures of Stickman, the Pig, and the Penguin. He loved fattening up a backyard squirrel he named Ed Smith with unshelled peanuts while facetiously complaining about the squirrel “getting over” on him.
Bill is survived by: his widow Pranee Rangsee, whom he married in 1988; his son Jon; his daughter Aimee; son in law Michael; sister Grace; grandchildren Jordan, Brittany, Michael Grayson and Brooke; great-grandson Meason; and ex-wife Jeffa Horton.
He was preceded in death by his biological parents Edna (Williams) and William Walter Brunty and his adoptive parents Margaret (Gwynn) and John Wesley Blancett.
WEATHER: Hi 94 / Lo 76, 10 % Chance of Rain, 85 % Humidity, Wind: 4 mph SSE
REQUESTOR: Brenda Hoster, Family SPOX
STAGING: 12:00 pm, Monday, June 15, 2026
Ebb Tide Lounge
2117 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/4sMDzLt1L3RavAzh7
BRIEFING: 12:15 pm
KSU: 12:30 pm (Semper Gumby)
INTERMENT: 1:00 pm – Shelter #1 (Call to Verify)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/Q9DUsYSBUS92
RC: Lisa “Fancy Pants” Menard
pgr.lisamenard@gmail.com
FC: Richard “Bean” Sandoval
Richardsandoval196@hotmail.com
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers