Blackham

Blackham

William Brod Blackham II, 26, on Dec. 29, 2022, was poisoned by fentanyl. As he kissed death, we beheld the finality that awaits us all. Our family journeyed to the funeral home, siblings, nieces, nephews and grandparents to gather around William. We stroked his hair, kissed his cheek, and bid farewell, all the while each of us was silently pleading with him to stay a while longer. William looked like himself, in a deep restful sleep. His face beautiful to behold, shining in the brilliance of the morning light. I talked to him, but he didn’t answer back. I held him, hugged him close, but he wouldn’t wake up. Though I claimed ownership of his mortal body, I knew I wasn’t the real caretaker. The Prince of Peace returned and carried him away. It was His kiss that awakened William in another Kingdom, in a far-off land called home.

William’s life was sped up, condensed and magnified. The early years intense, demanding our vigilance as watchmen on the wall. Tears of a lifetime were spilled at the beginning. But the years of blossoming were an epic adventure, a work of art, eventually reduced to one still-life painting with layers and layers of explosive vibrant color, that inspired us all to be better. William’s life was a bubbly brook poured into a holy vessel for us to drink in. We passed the chalice around and drank deeply, savoring every drop.

William is survived by his heartbroken mother, Christy Dray Blackham of Valencia, but was preceded in death by his father, William Brod Blackham of the U.S. Navy.

He is also survived by his grandparents, Margean Blackham of Gibsonia, Pat and Tony Borrelli of Avon Lake, Ohio, and Dan Pendergast of Boone, N.C.

William was a soldier in the Army National Guard for five years and certified in weapons as a cannonball specialist. He owned his own business, “Rags to Windows,” and was well-loved by his clients, and known for filming a day’s work, and speeding it up to 10 minutes artistically set to classical music.

William was a gifted singer and musician, playing any instrument he picked up by ear. William loved his cats, Chloe and Scarlett. He loved the outdoors, hiking, camping and recently a bike trip to D.C. with his brother, Luke.

William was the love of our lives. He was everyone’s best friend, and went out of his way to help his family and friends.

He was adored by his sisters, Shannon Seagriff of Freeport, Sarah Dray Potocnak of Ford City, Melissa (Dave) Poden of Freeport, Victoria Blackham of Washington, D.C., and Rhema (Kevin) Blackham Plummer orf Laurel, Md.; his brothers, Ryan Dray of Grove City, Aaron Dray of New Kensington, Zacc (Ashley) Dray of Butler, Steven (Jaime) Dray of Columbiana, Ohio, Seth Dray of New York, and his best friend and closest brother, Luke Dray of Valencia.

He was adored by 20 nieces and nephews. He was especially close to Briar, Elly and Logan Paden, Kenny Trim, Aubry and Jacob Potocnak, Brooklynne, Carter and Preston Dray, and Wyatt, Izri and Harveyrain Dray. He gave his undivided attention, understanding and presence to the children.

William was generous and giving. He volunteered at food banks and church work projects, putting on roofs for low-income families. He was part of the setup/tear down crew at Allison Park Church in Butler for three years, and spent two months in Honduras working with kids and teens on a mission trip. He also was a groundskeeper at Pine Valley Camp one summer.

Charity began at home as he invested his life with his siblings with projects, child care health coaching, music, and just last year he taught home-schooling classes at Pro Run North Park. Once when denied access to the pool at the YMCA, he opted to teach a senior citizen ladies aquatic class when the instructor didn’t show up. His life was truly like a box of chocolates; we’d never know what to expect! Until we meet again, you’ll be missed every second of every day.

Special thanks to the Fox family, Nolan and Allison. Also, a special thanks to Dave Hogue and James Raimondi, and Allison Park Church and Pastor Cal.

BLACKHAM — A celebration of life and flag-folding ceremony for William Brod Blackham II, who died Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the Rose Barn of North Park. Light refreshments will be served from 1 p.m. until the formal military service at 2 p.m. followed by anyone wanting to share memories of William, followed by food.

In lieu of flowers, please make all memorial contributions to the Blue Plaid Society at www.blueplaid.org. Find Blue Plaid Society on Facebook as well.

Professional services were entrusted to D’ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, Lawrenceville.

Visit www.dalessandroltd.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.