A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 4PM from the chapel of the Taylor Funeral Home, with family and friends giving personal eulogies. Visitation will be held from 2PM to 8PM on Friday, May 12, 2023, and on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 1PM until the time of service. Place of rest will be in the Parker Fowlkes Cemetery. Those desiring, memorials are suggested to the Parker Fowlkes Cemetery Fund.
Richard “Ricky” Lee Bledsoe, 66, of Fairview, TN., passed away on May 7, 2023, surrounded by his entire family.
Born to John Willis and Jean Bledsoe on June 29, 1956, Ricky married his high school sweetheart, Donna, on August 9, 1980. The couple settled on the family farm and spent 32 years together building a loving family, nurturing friendships, and investing in the Fairview community. Ricky was a long-time teacher and coach at Fairview High School where he previously taught construction and served as the head coach for both the girls’ and boys’ basketball programs. During his 26-year coaching career, he was privileged to coach both his daughter, son, and countless athletes.
When he was not on the sidelines, he worked construction, continuing his mentorship to those who worked with him. The eternal optimist, his life of service made him an unwavering cheerleader and pillar for youth in the community where he intended not only to coach, but also to provide life-long lessons. Remembered for his witty sayings, his words of encouragement often became life anthems for those he coached and taught. He had a special way of bringing out the best in people. Abundantly loved and admired by his family and friends, he spent his time at home (Bledsoe Farms) working the cows with his children, enjoying Gator rides with his grandsons and hosting family cookouts at the pond.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Donna (Nutt) Bledsoe, parents Jean and Willis Bledsoe, and mother-in-law, Brenda Nutt.
He is survived by his children, Kori (Jarrett) Jones and Drew (Chelsey) Bledsoe; siblings, Wanda (Mike)Welch and John (Lisa) Bledsoe; father-in-law, Bill Nutt; brother-in-law, Johnny (Cynthia) Nutt; sister-in-law, Jonna (Steve) Runyon; nieces/nephews, Brian (Erin) Welch, David (Brooke) Welch, Amanda (Brandon) Powell, Ryan (Ashley) Bledsoe, Adam Runyon, Alison Nutt, Tucker Runyon, Stephen Bledsoe, Jonathan Bledsoe, and Mary Runyon; three grandchildren; and numerous cousins.
