![Bill Bledsoe, a Marine Corps League retiree, passed his organization's wreath to a Naval Air Station Whiting Field Sea Cadet during Veterans Day ceremonies. He said it was a "distinct honor" to be part of the event. He said he nearly cried when a Cub Scout handed him a yellow banner. With a laugh, he said, "Marines do have feelings." [AARON LITTLE | Press Gazette]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-4fde5991-f43b-063e-e053-0100007f06ed-7cbc5569.jpeg)
William C. Bledsoe, Jr. "Uncle Buddy", 87, of Milton, FL home to the Lord on Friday, May 26, 2017.
Mr. Bledsoe was born March 24, 1930 in Ferriday, LA. He is the son of William C. and Gracie May Bledsoe. He lived in Lake Charles, LA until moving to Los Angeles, CA. to attend Bible College. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 12 years and was married to his wife, Leona C. Bledsoe, for 49 years.
After leaving the Marines, he stayed in Long Beach, CA. where he lived and worked until July of 2000. Bill then moved to Milton, FL. to live the rest of his life near his only remaining sibling, Elouise Mayeaux, and her family.
He dedicated his life to service working with numerous churches, civic organizations, PTAs, and political groups. Retired from the Postal Service after over 30 years and an educator at numerous ChristianSchools. Founding member of FourSquareChurch in Manhattan Bch, CA. Volunteered with the Young Marines, Marine League and American Legion. Managed the SunnysideCemetery in Long Beach, CA and The MiltonCemetery, Milton, FL.
Bill is survived by his three children, son's William C. Bledsoe, III (wife Shirley Bledsoe), James Michael Bledsoe (Virginia), and daughter Viola Mae Bledsoe. He has four grandchildren Davida Miskiel, Michael and Loren Bledsoe, and Scott Bledsoe; three great- children: Joel Miskiel, Elaina Miskiel, and Madeline Rose Bledsoe.
Bill is also survived by his sister Elouise Mayeaux, and niece's Nancy Ellis (Doyle), Sue Zahn Lucas (Mark) and nephews Dr. Dennis Mayeaux (Jan) and Jimmy Mayeaux (Tillie); nephews Allen Guidry (Patsy), Bill Guidry, and nieces Charlotte Guidry, Oleta Bracken and Ella Garret, along with his wife's brother, sisters, nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, June 1, at 6:30 pm. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at 1st Assembly of God, 6163 Dogwood Drive, Milton, FL. 32570. Rev. Fred Rogers will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Milton Cemetery.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, wife Leona C. Bledsoe, sisters Mary Guidry, Hilda Bledsoe and Doris Currie; and, grandson William C. Bledsoe IV, nephews; Karl Guidry and Andy Guidry.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: William C. Bledsoe, Jr.