John T. Bledsoe

"Yes, I have crossed over to glory, and to you I say, just stay in the hands of Jesus, and we will meet again someday."

It is with our deepest heartfelt sympathy we inform you of the passing from this life of Mr. John T. Bledsoe, 94, a resident of 4749 County Road 19, Heflin, Alabama.  Mr. Bledsoe transitioned from this life on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton, Georgia.  

John T. Bledsoe was born on October 14, 1926, in LaFayette, Chambers County, Alabama to the parentage of the late Sydney and Ella Silmon Bledsoe.  On October 14, 2020 (the day he turned 94), the Heavenly Father called his servant to rest.

At an early age, John accepted Christ at Sardis Baptist Church, Camp Hill, Alabama.  He later united with Flint Hill Baptist Church, Heflin.

John T. Bledsoe was one of the 2.5 million black men who enlisted in the United States Army and served this country with valor during World War 2.   He was an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces, having served our grateful nation during World War II.   At the age of 18, John was drafted into the army.   He enlisted on November 16, 1945 at Camp Stoneman, Pittsburgh, PA.  While enlisted he worked as a heavy truck driver.  His decorations included the World War II Victory Medal, and the Occupation Medal Germany.  By the sheer grace of an almighty God, he did not sustain any wounds while enlisted.  He honorably served until released on December 9, 1946, at the Separation Center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

John was united in marriage to the late Mattie M. Bledsoe.  Their fruitful union was blessed with six children.  

Mr. Bledsoe was preceded in death by his first wife, Mattie M. Bledsoe; three (3) brothers: Major, Eddie, and Albert Bledsoe; six (6) sisters: Ella Pearl Finley, Minnie Olar Kyles, Stella Pickard, Mary Ann Bledsoe, Carrie Evans, and Jessie Eva Simpson; a Godson, Gary Bledsoe; and three (3) beloved sons: Willie C. Bledsoe, Calvin Bledsoe, and John Henry Bledsoe.  

He was a mechanic and was the first black man in this area to own his own pulpwood business in Chambers County, and continued into Randolph County, employing many family and friends. 

Though we mourn this deep loss, John's passing leaves us with many precious memories that will be cherished by his wife of 45 years, Mrs. Mae Bell Bledsoe of Heflin, AL; his son, John Clifford "Fat Sam" Bledsoe (Gloria) of Wedowee, AL; daughters: Shari Turner (Fred) and Johnnie Mae Boyd (Lynwood) both of LaFayette, Alabama; and a sister, Vernia McCants of Chicago, IL; a special grandson, Richard Bledsoe of Wedowee, AL; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Annie Bledsoe of LaFayette, AL and Mrs. Ida Mae Thomas of Atlanta, GA; one brother-in-law, Jessie Lee Gray; special nieces, Laura Cooley, and Dorothy Jean; special friends: the late Jeffery All, Prophetess Margie Bullock, and Mrs. McClurgh; fifteen (15) grandchildren; forty-three (43) great-grandchildren; twenty-nine (29) great-great-grandchildren; and finally but not least, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

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