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H. R. No. 6 *HR43/R466* ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2
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To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026
By: Representative Lamar
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 6
A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, 1
LEGACY AND SERVICE OF CHIEF LEROY (BUTCH) EMBREY BLEDSOE JR., AND 2
EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS 3
PASSING. 4
WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To 5
everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under 6
the Heaven," and as such, on March 16, 2025, the immaculate author 7
and finisher of our souls' destiny summoned the mortal presence of 8
dearly beloved, Chief Leroy (Butch) Embrey Bledsoe Jr., to eternal 9
rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family, friends and 10
community; and 11
WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi lost a loving husband, 12
father, mentor and courageous firefighter with the passing of 13
Chief Bledsoe, who was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on July 26, 14
1947, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to 15
pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join 16
that heavenly caravan; and 17
WHEREAS, a true patriot and Vietnam veteran, Chief Bledsoe 18
earned a Bronze Star for his brave service in the United States 19
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Army and was assigned to the 611th artillery attached to the 4/21 20
infantry as a Forward Observer/Radio Transmission Operator; and 21
WHEREAS, after completing his service to his country as a 22
soldier, Chief Bledsoe dedicated his life to the fire service, and 23
his unwavering commitment to his profession shaped generations of 24
firefighters in Mississippi and across the country; and 25
WHEREAS, Chief Bledsoe, a proud graduate of Smoke Diver Class 26
2, Student #30, began serving as a volunteer firefighter at the 27
Southaven Fire Department in the early 1970s, and in 1978, he 28
became an instructor at the Mississippi State Fire Academy, where 29
he helped equip future fire service professionals with the skills, 30
knowledge and confidence needed to serve their communities; and 31
WHEREAS, as one of the earliest instructors at the 32
Mississippi State Fire Academy, Chief Bledsoe was a pioneer in 33
firefighter training and a steadfast advocate for the Fire 34
Service, Safety, and Education; and 35
WHEREAS, Chief Bledsoe later moved to Shelby County, 36
Tennessee, and served the Shelby County Fire Department for 17 37
years before retiring as a Lieutenant; and 38
WHEREAS, while serving as a full-time firefighter for Shelby 39
County, Chief Bledsoe also maintained a position as the part-time 40
Fire Chief for the Horn Lake Fire Department, evidencing his 41
unmatched work ethic, and his leadership and dedication did not go 42
unnoticed, as he later became the full-time Fire Chief for Horn 43
Lake; and 44
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WHEREAS, Chief Bledsoe remained dedicated to his passion for 45
service even after retiring as a paid firefighter, serving as the 46
Assistant Chief for the WyatteChulahoma Volunteer Fire Department 47
until his death; and 48
WHEREAS, in the last years of his life, Chief Bledsoe made 49
his greatest commitment to the army of our Lord and Savior, Jesus 50
Christ, and he faithfully attended the Thyatira Church of Christ, 51
steadfast in his pursuit of devotion and worship; and 52
WHEREAS, absent from the body but present with the Lord, 53
Chief Bledsoe has traversed the river of life to join in heavenly 54
reunion with his parents, Leroy E. Bledsoe, Sr., and Annie Jean 55
Harris Bledsoe; and 56
WHEREAS, the memory of Chief Bledsoe's unconditional love for 57
his family will continue to refresh the hearts and spirits of his 58
beloved survivors: his wife, Geraldine Bledsoe; son, Trey Bledsoe 59
(Vallerie); daughter, Wendy Lester (Jeff); grandchildren, Hunter 60
Lester (Madison), Nikki Rollo (Josiah), Gatlin Lester, Hallie 61
Grace Lester and Rachel Bledsoe; great-grandchild, Koda Rollo; 62
brother, Tommy H. Bledsoe (Kay); and a host of dear friends and 63
extended family; and 64
WHEREAS, Chief Bledsoe's influence will never be forgotten, 65
forever remaining in the hearts of those he mentored, and his 66
profound impact lives on through the countless lives he touched 67
and the lessons he instilled in those lucky enough to learn from 68
him; and 69
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ST: Leroy Bledsoe; commend life and legacy upon
his passing.
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to 70
recognize and honor the lives of selfless Mississippians, 71
especially those such as Chief Bledsoe, whose life's light 72
illuminated the path of hope for all he encountered along this 73
earthly sojourn: 74
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF 75
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby 76
mourn the loss and commemorate the life, legacy and service of 77
Chief Leroy (Butch) Embrey Bledsoe Jr., and express deepest 78
sympathy to his family, friends and community. 79
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be 80
furnished to the family of Chief Leroy (Butch) Embrey Bledsoe, 81
Jr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps. 82