Roy H. Bledsoe, age 90 of Philadelphia, passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at the Fort Loudoun Medical Center.

Roy was a member of First Baptist Church in Philadelphia where he served as a Deacon for many years. A man with a servant’s heart, Roy was dedicated to helping people throughout his community. He served as the first mayor of Philadelphia and as a Loudon County Commissioner for 48 years. Roy was a 32nd Degree Mason with the Tennessee Masonic Lodge 204 F&AM; he served as a Colonel on the Winfield Dunn Staff; Roy served as the Chairman of the Loudon County Soil Conservation Board and the Sweetwater Home Health Board and as a member of the Loudon Lions Club. Roy’s greatest love in life was working the land, fishing, and spending time with his family. He spent a lot of his time with his daughter and grandchildren, sharing his wisdom and a few life lessons. He supported and cheered them on through every activity they found themselves in.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mossie (Hill) Bledsoe; son, James Roy Bledsoe; brothers, Carl Bledsoe, Sam Bledsoe and Hubert Bledsoe; sister, Chlorine Bilderback. Survivors include his loving and dedicated wife, Sarah (Watkins) Bledsoe; daughter, Hope Bledsoe Fritts; grandchildren, Cole, Will and Abbi; several nieces and nephews.

Services to honor and remember Roy will be held 5 PM Sunday, December 27th at the First Baptist Church in Philadelphia with Rev. Brian Courtney and Rev. Bud Slaton officiating. Interment will be 11 AM Monday in Westview Cemetery in Sweetwater.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 45, Philadelphia, TN 37846 or to Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251.

The family will receive friends 3-5 PM Sunday prior to the service at the church. Additionally, Roy’s body will lie in state from 10AM – 1PM Sunday at the funeral home for friends to pay their respects.

Masks must be worn while visiting the funeral home and visiting the church.

McGill Click Funerals & Cremations, 1366 Highway 72 N, Loudon.