J. LeRoy Bledsoe

J. LeRoy Bledsoe, 73, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 3, 2014, at Community Howard Regional Health. LeRoy was born December 9, 1940, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to John Daniel and Letha Estelle (Allen) Bledsoe. On February 16, 1960, he married Sharon G. Bowers, who survives. LeRoy attended Public High School in Ooltewah, Tennessee and retired from Chrysler Casting Plant in 1996. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and taking care of his yard, but he loved nothing more than his family. His grandsons were the pride of his life, and he cherished time spent with them. LeRoy accepted Christ as his Savior March 14, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sharon; daughter, Rogena “Gena” and husband Brian Smith, Russiaville; grandsons, Benjamin and wife Frances Mary Smith, Michigan, and Nicholas Smith, Arizona; great-grandson, Macklain Joseph Smith, Michigan; sister, Peggy Ann Cook, Old Hickory, Tennessee; and many extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Joy Phyllis Goins and Ellie Ruth Carpenter. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Lighthouse Missionary Baptist Church, 1300 E. Barkdol, Kokomo, with Rev. Fred McKee and Rev. Dennis Chapman officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the church. Messages of condolence may be expressed online at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com. Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.