Harley Bledsoe

Harley L. Bledsoe, 91, of Benton departed this life on Friday, March 30, 2018. He was born on November 7, 1926 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to the late Louis and Emma Stovesand Bledsoe. He grew up in Hot Springs and entered the Navy upon graduation from high school. Following an Honorable Discharge in 1946, he attended the University of Arkansas and graduated with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. Harley was employed with Alcoa in Bauxite. He was married to the former Mary Louise Evans of Benton. Alcoa took them to Suriname, South America, Mobile, Alabama, Pocos de Caldas, Brazil and Pittsburgh, Pa. Harley retired from Alcoa after thirty eight years to return to Benton where he and Mary enjoyed their family, friends and Arkansas heritage. Harley was a loving and caring husband, father, brother and grandfather. He had many honors and accomplishments during his long life, but the greatest of these were the many friendships and encouragement he always had for others. He was formerly a Scoutmaster in Benton. Those were some of the best years for him, the scouts and families who were lucky enough to tag along. He actively spent time volunteering with youth activities and church. He is a member of First United Methodist Church in Benton, where he was glad to return to and continue his spirit of volunteerism after being away for many years. Harley loved his family, the outdoors, turkey hunting and quietly helping others. He was affectionately called "Daddy B" after the birth of his two granddaughters. He had an endless sense of humor and enjoyed his time with his children and their friends. His deep abiding love and loyalty to his family and friends will be missed by all. Preceding Harley in death are his wife of fifty four years, parents and his siblings, Robert Bledsoe and Shirley Bledsoe. He is survived by a son Randy Northern (Nives) of Norfolk, Ark., daughter Robin Burkett (Jerry) of Stuttgart, Ark., and granddaughters Caroline Cook Holt (Mark) and Laura Burkett (fiancé Richard Blank) of Little Rock. Daddy B was looking forward to meeting his first great-grandson Harrison Charles Holt and having a new grandson. A family burial service will be held at Smith-Rosemont Memorial Park, 1010 Military Rd, Benton on Wednesday, April 4th at 12:30. A celebration of Harley's life will be held at 2:00 at First United Methodist Church, 200 N Market St, Benton followed by visitation in the Fellowship Hall. Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church of Benton or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are being made by Ashby Funeral Home of Benton. On-line guest book at www.ashyfuneralhome.com.