Joe Benton Bledsoe passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2017 surrounded by the love of his wife, daughter, and sister at Meadowbrook Healthcare and Rehab in Pulaski, TN. He was 83 years old.
Joe Bledsoe was born and lived his entire life in Giles County, TN. He was a graduate of the Giles County High School Class of 1952 where he was a proud member of FFA. He enjoyed judging cattle at the county fair and served as Vice President of the FFA local chapter. He was a farmer most of his life until he went to work for the Giles County Highway Department in the early 90’s where he remained until his retirement. Joe loved the great outdoors where he fished and hunted game with family and friends. He was a member of the Giles County Saddle Club for many years. Joe always found time in his busy schedule to transport his daughter Tina, several horses and any number of friends to horse shows, Mule Day celebrations and competitions.
When Joe no longer had cattle to milk every day, he got the opportunity to take vacations with his wife, daughter, son-in-law and friends. Over the years he visited 17 states and decided that flying was “the only way to go”. His favorite trips were to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, AZ and Iowa where he got to spend time with his “Coates Kids” at Brad and Leslie Coates farm in Yarmouth, Iowa. In retirement, he enjoyed mowing his yard, bush hogging his farm and traveling to Memphis to see his daughter and son-in-law. He was a craftsman and built cabinets, bookcases and raised dog beds for friends and family. He loved to watch John Wayne movies, eat popcorn and too much butter pecan ice cream.
Joe was a giving man and would give the shirt off of his back to anyone in need. He loved children and would often empty his wallet handing out dollar bills to children he met. He loved his community, family, friends and his church. Joe loved his Lord and Savior and was a member of Second Street Church of Christ in Pulaski. TN until his death.
Joe Bledsoe was preceded in death by his mother and father, Emma Jo Bledsoe and Bennie Lee Bledsoe, and his younger brother William Keith Bledsoe of Pulaski, TN. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Jackson Bledsoe of Pulaski, TN. His daughter Tina Bledsoe Reynolds and son-in-law Tim Reynolds of Memphis, TN. His sister Pat Bledsoe McNeese and brother-in-law Julian McNeese of Pulaski, TN. His sister-in-law Jane Jackson Williams of Anaheim California. He is also survived by special, family friend Holly Cagle of Houston, TX and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.
Services will be held at Bennett May – Giles County Funeral Home in Pulaski TN. Visitation will be August 16, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at Bennett May August 17, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. with a burial following at Giles Memorial Gardens in Pulaski, TN. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Second Street Church of Christ Building Fund in Pulaski, TN or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN.
