Carley A. Bledsoe, Jr., age 84, of the DeGray Community, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at his home. He was born April 11, 1941, in Arkadelphia, the son of the late Carley A. and Pearl Smothers Bledsoe, Sr.
Junior was a life-long resident of Clark County. He retired from the Arkansas State Highway Department in 2009. He was a member of the Cattlemen’s Association of Clark County.
Junior was a faithful member of DeGray Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He was very active within the church, always ready to help with anything or anyone needing assistance. Junior never met a stranger and could make anyone feel at ease with his kind attitude and gift of conversation. He was very helpful with the DBC Fall Festival and annual Chili Supper fundraisers by his ability to sell large numbers of tickets to assist with various missions for the church.
He took on many chores after retirement, one as he managed the DeGray Cemetery with perfection. Maintaining records, assisting funeral directors with plot locations, clearing trees and expanding the cemetery for his community. Junior was instrumental in building the pavilion at DeGray Cemetery so no one would ever have to stand in the rain to mourn a family member or friend.
He was a driving force in establishing the Caddo Valley Volunteer Fire Dept and the DeGray Volunteer Fire Dept. Junior organized many fund raisers over the years to support firemen and maintain equipment. As the “Unofficial Mayor of the DeGray Community” as many of his friends lovingly called him, he took on many roles in his community. He cared tremendously for his neighbors and friends, traveling the community in his farm truck, four-wheeler or side by side, stopping to visit or lend a hand in any way he could.
He was preceded by his parents and one sister, Barbara Bledsoe Shepherd.
Junior is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Joyce McLelland Bledsoe, one brother, Lewis Bledsoe (Maxine), one sister, Dorothy Eakin (Harry), all of Arkadelphia, brother-in-law, Roy Shepherd of Coweta, OK, extended family, Justin Uchtman (Morgan) and daughter, Skylar, of Greenbrier, and Josh Uchtman (Karlie) and son, Jameson of Arkadelphia.
Funeral services were held Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Welch Funeral Home with Bro. David Young, Bro. Charlie Williams and Bro. Mike Hipps officiating. Interment was in DeGray Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Danny Bledsoe, Eric McGee, Gary Purifoy, David McLelland, Jr., Jason Eakin and John Reeder.
Memorials may be made to DeGray Cemetery Fund, c/o Jo Reeder, 133 Pierce Rd, Arkadelphia, AR 71923.
The family would like to say a special thanks to Hospice Home Care of Hot Springs for their excellent care of Junior during his final days.
Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit http://www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.
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