Tony was born in Rocky Mount, NC to Thomas Jefferson Bledsoe and Ruby Mooney Bledsoe on February 5, 1939. Seventeen days after graduating from Benvenue School he left to serve in the Air Force for almost 4 years. He returned home and preceded to earn degrees from: Atlantic Christian Collage (B.S.), Appalachian State University (M.A.) and UNC Greensboro (Ed.D.). He married Julie Harris Bledsoe on August 11, 1990 in St. Andrews, Scotland.
Tony held a variety of jobs throughout his life. These included positions at Burlington Industries, American Tobacco Company, Person County Community College, and UNC Chapel Hill. He will be most remembered for his position as Associate Professor of Business at Meredith College in Raleigh, NC. As he liked to say “He went to Meredith on a 1 year contract and ended up staying 34 years!” Tony’s final job was as a substitute teacher in Johnston County for pre-K, Kindergarten and special needs classes. This brought him great joy!
Tony was very involved in the Meredith community during his time there. He made many lifelong friends both co-workers and students that meant so much to him. Tony helped to establish the MBA program from the ground floor. He led study abroad programs to Scotland and England. He also researched, wrote and published numerous academic papers. Additionally, Tony loved to travel. He and Julie were fortunate to visit so many places most people dream about. He was also a very talented guitar player and loved to make music with his friends Mike and Johnny as well as his grandson Enzo. Other passions include sailing, the beach, working in the yard and just having a good time. He always was full of mischief and had a twinkle in his eye. He enjoyed making up interesting competitions to engage his grandchildren and family members.
Tony is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Evangeline Rackley, Maerean Poland; brother-in-law Tommy Polland; nieces, Gail Connie and Georgia Wilson.
Tony is survived by: his spouse, Julie H Bledsoe; daughters, Parker Griffin (Ricky) and Brooke Vozzolo (Giuseppe). Grandchildren: Enzo and Nico Vozzolo. Brother-in-law Jackson Harris. He also leaves behind nieces: Anne Mangus (Dave), Donna Wilson (Joe), Shela McCracken (Devin) and nephews Glen Rackley and Dylan Harris. In addition, he leaves several great nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or an organization of your choosing.
The family of Tony Bledsoe wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the numerous doctors and medical personnel who were so kind during his battle with cancer. They also want to thank Transitions Life Care and his caregiver Doreen Pressley for their support and compassion.
A service and celebration of Tony’s life will be held at a later date. The family is being assisted by McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, NC.
