The Way We Were: Russell Blanchard showed how good guys finish first
You didn't have to make a case that Russell Blanchard was Augusta's most admired banker through most of the 1900s. Others would make it for you.
Blanchard, often called "Mr. Russell," spent almost a century earning a reputation as an effective community leader, a diligent churchman … and a darn good banker.
When he died in 2007 a few months short of turning 100, he was celebrated as both retired president of Georgia Railroad Bank & Trust Co. and also founding dean and director of the University of Georgia's Georgia Banking School.
Previously: The late Russell Blanchard was a man you could bank on
Read more: Richard Franza: Honor legacy of Russell A. Blanchard by leading ethically
In nearly half a century of work he pushed not only the concept of community banking in which bankers and customers knew one another, but also a business integrity that was honest, transparent and ethically focused.
"He set the standard for not only his generation but those generations of bankers who followed him," said Joe Brannen, the president of the Georgia Bankers Association.
"He's the kind of person who, because of the way he lived and acted, made people around him want to elevate the way they lived and acted," said Augusta attorney David Hudson.
But if you asked most Augustans, they remembered his kindness.
Russell Blanchard was a man who called you on your birthday. He was a man who sent handwritten notes to young bankers, congratulating them on achievements. He was a man who showed up at the homes of those in need to offer what help he could. He did this for a long time.
When the Boy Scouts sponsored a contest in the 1920s to see who could do the most good deeds – Russell Blanchard won. When office secretaries in the 1960s voted on "Best Boss," Russell Blanchard won that, too. He led old schools; he established new ones. He was president of two civic clubs. He was a leader in two of the area's largest Baptist churches. He was one of the founders of Augusta Preparatory School.
And when it came to money, Blanchard was a man who could not only bank it, he could raise it.
Russell Blanchard influence on the community
Dozens of local charities, schools, colleges and civic undertakings were successful because Russell Blanchard inspired generosity in others. He helped get money for the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Empty Stocking Fund and Augusta College, where he began his banking education after graduating from Richmond Academy. He became the first president of the Augusta College Foundation, a position he held for a decade and led its fund-raising efforts.
In 2001, he established the Russell A. Blanchard endowment within the College of Business Administration. In 2005, the Blanchard Fountain at the entrance of the university was dedicated as a monument to his service, not only to the college but to the community.
Not bad for a guy from Camak in Warren County who started his banking career as bookkeeper at the Georgia Railroad Bank in the 1920s and in 40 years would become its president.
The bank known as "The Georgia" had 13 presidents in its history. Blanchard was the only one to work his way up from the bottom.
He did it all with steady thoughtful kindness and an unquestioned integrity.
"His legacy extends to all of us he helped along the way," said attorney John Bell.
His nephew James Blanchard, who became a success with Synovus bank based in Columbus, Ga., said he thought many modern bank executives who have gotten into trouble might not have lost their way if they had worked for Russell Blanchard.
"Even with his gentleness as a person, Russell was able to address tough issues and deal with them very effectively," James Blanchard told The Chronicle. "He proves that you can win without being the bad guy."
Bill Kirby has reported, photographed and commented on life in Augusta and Georgia for 45 years.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Way We Were: Russell Blanchard was a banker, leader and friend to Augusta
