Joe Tracy Bledsoe

BLEDSOE-Mr. Joe Tracy Bledsoe, age 85, of Aiken, S. C., beloved husband of Alberta Rodgers Bledsoe and son of the late John Broadus Bledsoe and the late Florence Beard Bledsoe, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 18, 2011. In addition to his wife, he is survived by children; Mike (Martha) Bledsoe of Gloverville, Donna (Donnie) Turner of Graniteville and Benny (Donna) Jackson of Gloverville; grandchildren, Chris (Stacey) Bledsoe, Clay (Shannon) Turner, Shannon (James) Shennan, April Turner, Brent (Denise) Jackson, Jason Jackson and Matt Jackson; eight great grandchildren and a sister-in-law, LaVada Bledsoe of Augusta, Ga.. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred Bledsoe; brothers, Harry Bledsoe and Charlie Bledsoe; sisters, Vada Trotter, Myrtis Cato and an infant sister, Carolyn Bledsoe. He was born in and was a lifelong resident of Aiken County, S.C. He was a US Marine Veteran having proudly served his country in the South Pacific during World War II. He received a bronze star for heroism during a battle in Okinawa. He was a charter member of Stiefeltown Baptist Church, where he served faithfully until his illness. He shall be greatly missed by his family, friends and all whose lives he touched during the 85 precious years that God granted him on this earth; however life does not end with death, as the gift of God is eternal life. A service celebrating his life will be held in the Chapel of Napier Funeral Home on Sunday, August 21, 2011 at 3:00 PM with Rev. Bob Boone and Clay Turner officiating. The interment will follow at the Warrenville Cemetery. The Pallbearers will be Tony Carroll, Brent Jackson, Matt Jackson, Jason Jackson, Charles McGee and Bobby Williams. The Men’s Sunday School Class of Stiefeltown Baptist Church will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home this Saturday evening, August 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorials may be made to Stiefeltown Baptist Church or to a charity of one’s choice. Napier Funeral Home, 315 Main St., Graniteville, S.C. 29829 is in charge of the funeral arrangements.