Gary Bledsoe

Mr. Gary Bledsoe, 86, of Chapmanville, WV, exchanged his earthly residence for his Heavenly Home on Monday, April 3, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born January 25, 1937, at Big Creek, WV to the late Chancey Leo and Ollie Mae Bledsoe.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Kenneth Bledsoe, Donald Bledsoe, and Larry Bledsoe; four brothers-in-law, Don Jones, Claude Alley, Doug Neil, and Willard Conley; and one sister-in-law, Marie Bledsoe.

Gary Bledsoe loved life. He never had a bad day, or at least if he did, he never complained about it. Gary was a Christian and a faithful member of the Shining Light United Baptist Church where he served as a trustee. He also currently served on the Chapmanville Town Council where he was always the life of the meetings. Gary was a retired U.M.W.A. coal miner, last working for Buffalo Mining in Buffalo Creek, WV. He had a work ethic like no one else and he instilled that in all those around him.

Gary loved the outdoors and sports. Gardening, hunting, fishing, bowling, watching sports and old westerns on TV or just mowing grass were all things he loved to do. At the age of 12, Gary developed a love for golf and spent the rest of his life perfecting the game. In total, he achieved 7 hole-in-ones and shot his age from 59 and up. His lowest recorded score was a 58 on 18 holes at Riverview Country Club. His love for golf has been passed down to his children and grandchildren, whom were his favorite golfing partners. He was also an avid Chapmanville Tigers fan, having traveled many miles coaching and watching his kids and grandkids play ball.

Above all this, his greatest love was spending time with his family, whom he adored. Gary loved with everything in him and was affectionately known as “Popaw Gary” to everyone around him. The effect he had on lives will continue to make the world a better place for years to come.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 65 years, Gail Bledsoe; his children, Pam (Mike) Adams and Mike (Andrea) Bledsoe both of Chapmanville, WV; his grandchildren, Ryan Adams, Jon (Jennifer) Adams, Drew (Makayla) Bledsoe, Austin Bledsoe, and Andi Bledsoe; two great-grandsons, Tate Adams and Benny Bear Adams; one very special family member, Samantha Adams; five siblings, Delores Noel of Brunswick, OH, Carl Bledsoe of Chapmanville, WV, Phyllis Alley of Annandale, VA, James (Edna) Bledsoe of Greensboro, NC, and Lynn Bledsoe of Chapmanville, WV; and three sisters-in-law, Evelyn Bledsoe of Letart, WV, Glenna Jones and Ima Neil both of Chapmanville, WV. Additionally, Gary leaves behind many nieces and nephews along with a host of other dear relatives, his church family, and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2023, at the Shining Light United Baptist Church at Chapmanville, WV, with Elder Drew Bledsoe and Pastor Rick Adkins officiating.

Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens at Godby, WV.

Popaw Gary’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Linden Meade, Greg Meade, Brian Meade, Buzz Barker, Raymond Porter, and Joel McNeely.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to services Friday at the church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Evans Funeral Home & Cremation Services at Chapmanville, WV.

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