We are saddened to announce that Lanny Lafayette Bledsoe passed away at Auburn's Bethany House on April 1, 2026. He was born on October 5, 1936 in Riverview, Alabama to John Lafayette Bledsoe and Macie Fullerton Bledsoe. Lanny was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Karen Pursell Bledsoe, his precious sons Tommy (Natalie) Bledsoe, Jeb (Kim) Bledsoe, and Jim (Tammy) Bledsoe, six grandchildren: Justin Thomas, Hannah Elizabeth, Thomas Brooks, Kimberly

Madyson, Joshua Daniel, and Carrie Carter (CeeCee), and one great grandchild, Blair Ryan.

Above all else, Lanny loved his family, so deeply that none of them ever had to wonder if it was so. He also loved his God and his church and he lived his life in faithful service to both. He will forever be missed, yet all can take comfort in knowing that God has called him home. Well done, my good and faithful servant.

Lanny is a graduate of Valley High School and Auburn University and a United States Marine Corps veteran, serving active duty until 1962 and in the USMC Reserve until 1971. He completed his military service at the rank of Captain.

Lanny was a member of the Fairfax First Baptist Church in Valley, where he was ordained a Deacon in 1974, taught the Ruth Sunday School Class for many years and served as Chairman of the Deacons. In his many years as a member, he rarely ever missed a Sunday.

In addition to his exemplary service as a United States Marine, of which he was most proud, Semper Fi, Lanny was employed for 50 years by West Point Manufacturing (eventually WestPoint Stevens), where he was appointed Manager of Lanier Mill in 1969, Riverdale Mill Manager in 1973, Fairfax Mill Manager in 1974, General Manager,

Towel Operations in 1981, and General Manager, Sheet Operations. He retired as Senior Vice President of [all] Manufacturing, and as a member of WestPoint's 50-year club.

Continuing his military service, Lanny served many years as the Commander of American Legion Post 67 in Valley, Alabama.

Following his retirement from WestPoint, Lanny pursued his dream of becoming a published writer. As it was with anything he ever set out to do, he did it magnificently, penning 13 novels in rapid succession primarily centered around life as it was in his hometown — his beloved Riverview— in the early 20th century. His books are filled with rich characters and gripping plots all linked to that storied little mill village on the Chattahoochee River.

Lanny's lifetime of achievements are crowned by his love of The Company's towns and its people, where the former Eagle Scout served as Scoutmaster, coach, mentor to the community's youth, and as leader of the people. During ball seasons and in-between, the Bledsoe's front yard served as a practice field for the town's kids, including a representative number of them that went on to become great college and/or pro athletes and business leaders, not excluding Lanny's own.

Lanny possessed that rare ability to never forget a name or a face and to make whomever he was with, be it the sweeper on the night shift or the mill manager, feel that he genuinely cared, because he genuinely did. As such, Lanny leaves a legacy of humbleness, plain talk, uncompromised values, tough love, and loyalty that is attained by few.

To this day, the untold number of people that Lanny Bledsoe touched in all walks of life still hold him in the highest regard, for such is the mark of a true leader of men.

"...some are born great, others achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. " - Shakespeare

Visitation will be Monday, April 6, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM (EST) at Valley-Point Funeral Home in Lanett, Alabama. The Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, April 7, beginning at 1:00 PM (EST) at Fairfax First Baptist Church in Valley, Alabama.

The Family of Mr. Lanny Lafayette Bledsoe is being served by the professional and caring staff of Valley-Point Funeral Home & Cremation.

Visitation

Apr

6

Valley-Point Funeral Home & Cremation

1011 N. Lanier Ave
Lanett, AL 36863

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Memorial Service

Apr

7

Fairfax First Baptist Church

510 Denson St
Valley, AL 36854

1:00 PM