J.C. Bledsoe, 91, of Etowah, TN passed away Thursday, October 15, 2026.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather who took great pride in his family and the life he built. An Army veteran, he later retired from Bowater Paper Mill after years of dedicated service. He found great joy in trading and riding horses and loved farming. Above all, he was a family man who especially cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren. He loved his wife dearly, and his family was the greatest blessing of his life. His love, wisdom, and the memories he created with those closest to him will be treasured for generations to come.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Jean Kincaid Bledsoe; daughter, Virginia Lynn Bledsoe; parents, Ira and Winnie Bledsoe; siblings, Edith Nichols, Gerlean Grisham, Margaret Roberson, Cleo Russell, Ira Allen Bledsoe, Zelphia Eller, and Brenda Green; infant siblings, John Kile Bledsoe and Viola Bledsoe.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Cathy Bledsoe; daughters and son-in-law, Kathy Bledsoe, Lisa and Greg Rickman; grandchildren and spouses, Gerri Le Cantrell, Jessica and Matt Allen, Gena and Michael Shirk, Logan Rickman, and Kailee Rickman and Tim Hicks; great-grandchildren; Logan Bell, Landon Shirk, Maddy Lynn Shirk, Ramsey Hancock, Jamen Cantrell, Jones Cantrell, Lane Shirk, Millie Kate Shirk, Jaycee Hicks, and Sophie Hicks; brothers-in-law, Joe Ben Kincaid and Steve Kincaid; additional family members, Julie Taulbee, Lisa Peck, and Ashley Justice.

Funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, October 17, 2026, in the chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Saturday prior to the service.

Family and friends will assemble at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Bordwine Funeral Home and go in procession to Green Hill cemetery for the 2:00 p.m. committal service.