House Resolution 6

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND SERVICE OF CHIEF LEROY (BUTCH) EMBREY BLEDSOE JR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on March 16, 2025, the immaculate author and finisher of our souls' destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Chief Leroy (Butch) Embrey Bledsoe Jr., to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family, friends and community; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi lost a loving husband, father, mentor and courageous firefighter with the passing of Chief Bledsoe, who was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on July 26, 1947, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join that heavenly caravan; and

WHEREAS, a true patriot and Vietnam veteran, Chief Bledsoe earned a Bronze Star for his brave service in the United States Army and was assigned to the 611th artillery attached to the 4/21 infantry as a Forward Observer/Radio Transmission Operator; and

WHEREAS, after completing his service to his country as a soldier, Chief Bledsoe dedicated his life to the fire service, and his unwavering commitment to his profession shaped generations of firefighters in Mississippi and across the country; and

WHEREAS, Chief Bledsoe, a proud graduate of Smoke Diver Class 2, Student #30, began serving as a volunteer firefighter at the Southaven Fire Department in the early 1970s, and in 1978, he became an instructor at the Mississippi State Fire Academy, where he helped equip future fire service professionals with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to serve their communities; and

WHEREAS, as one of the earliest instructors at the Mississippi State Fire Academy, Chief Bledsoe was a pioneer in firefighter training and a steadfast advocate for the Fire Service, Safety, and Education; and

WHEREAS, Chief Bledsoe later moved to Shelby County, Tennessee, and served the Shelby County Fire Department for 17 years before retiring as a Lieutenant; and

WHEREAS, while serving as a full-time firefighter for Shelby County, Chief Bledsoe also maintained a position as the part-time Fire Chief for the Horn Lake Fire Department, evidencing his unmatched work ethic, and his leadership and dedication did not go unnoticed, as he later became the full-time Fire Chief for Horn Lake; and

WHEREAS, Chief Bledsoe remained dedicated to his passion for service even after retiring as a paid firefighter, serving as the Assistant Chief for the WyatteChulahoma Volunteer Fire Department until his death; and

WHEREAS, in the last years of his life, Chief Bledsoe made his greatest commitment to the army of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and he faithfully attended the Thyatira Church of Christ, steadfast in his pursuit of devotion and worship; and

WHEREAS, absent from the body but present with the Lord, Chief Bledsoe has traversed the river of life to join in heavenly reunion with his parents, Leroy E. Bledsoe, Sr., and Annie Jean Harris Bledsoe; and

WHEREAS, the memory of Chief Bledsoe's unconditional love for his family will continue to refresh the hearts and spirits of his beloved survivors: his wife, Geraldine Bledsoe; son, Trey Bledsoe (Vallerie); daughter, Wendy Lester (Jeff); grandchildren, Hunter Lester (Madison), Nikki Rollo (Josiah), Gatlin Lester, Hallie Grace Lester and Rachel Bledsoe; great-grandchild, Koda Rollo; brother, Tommy H. Bledsoe (Kay); and a host of dear friends and extended family; and

WHEREAS, Chief Bledsoe's influence will never be forgotten, forever remaining in the hearts of those he mentored, and his profound impact lives on through the countless lives he touched and the lessons he instilled in those lucky enough to learn from him; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the lives of selfless Mississippians, especially those such as Chief Bledsoe, whose life's light illuminated the path of hope for all he encountered along this earthly sojourn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life, legacy and service of Chief Leroy (Butch) Embrey Bledsoe Jr., and express deepest sympathy to his family, friends and community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Chief Leroy (Butch) Embrey Bledsoe, Jr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.