Robert Freeman Bledsoe

Robert F. Bledsoe

Robert F. Bledsoe was born to Parkie and Maxie (Jones) Bledsoe on May 4, 1946 in Pattonsville, VA.

Robert went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, and will be greatly missed by the ones he left behind.

Robert joined the Armed Forces stationed in Germany as an Air Defense Missile Crewman. After returning to the states, he later joined the 639th Transportation Unit in the Army Reserve, where he served in the Gulf War and then later retired in 2006.

Robert was a proud coal miner; while working for Paramont Coal Company, he was a part of the Mine and Rescue Team for several years. With over 30 years of experience in the coal mines he retired in 2008.

In addition to his parents, Parkie and Maxie Bledsoe, his wife of 53 years, Patty Emily Odessia Hood Bledsoe, siblings, Elsie Arwood, Ken Bledsoe, Kathleen Cochran, Peggy Murdock, an infant sister Opal Bledsoe, and his nephew, Wayne Arwood preceded him in death.

He is survived by his two daughters, Carrie Ann (Jason) Rhoton and Christie Hamm, five grandchildren, Robert-Lee, Odessia and Levi Hamm, Isaac Rhoton and Mily and Damien Everhart, two great grandchildren, Robert-Lee Jr., and Rhody, many nieces, nephews and cousins, and a special friend Mildred Esteppe.

The family would like to thank some special family and friends that helped with Robert’s care and preparing meals, Sandie Williams, Rachel Cox, Mike and Kat Bledsoe, Debbie Burchell, Nathan Hood, Garry and Debbie Hood, Tara Jo Dillon, Mountain Region Home Health and Tennessee Cancer Center.

We would like to thank Jordan and the ICU team for showing such care and compassion in Dad’s final moments.

The family will receive friends Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 4-6p.m., at the Gate City Funeral Home.

Military Graveside services will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hammond Post #3, Kingsport, TN and Post # 265, Gate City, VA assisted by members of the Virginia Army National Guard Honors Team at 12:00 p.m., Monday, November 18, 2024, at the H.D. Burchett Cemetery, Duffield, VA.

Isaac Rhoton, Damien Everhart, Robert-Lee and Levi Hamm, Russ Williams, Nathan Hood and Mike Bledsoe Jr.

Mike Bledsoe, Maynard Bledsoe, Rufus Barnette, Jason Rhoton, Mily Everhart, and Odessia Hamm will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Family and friends are asked to meet at Gate City Funeral Home at 11:15 a.m., Monday to go in procession to the Graveside Service.

The family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Hospital in lieu of flowers.

An online guest register is available for the Bledsoe family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Robert F. Bledsoe.