Sam F. Cogdell, Jr.

Sam F. Cogdell, Jr. entered his heavenly home on July 24, 2024, at the age of 93 after a short stay at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Humboldt.

He was born on Dec. 6, 1930, in Iuka, Miss., the son of the late Sam F., Sr. and Evie Voyles Cogdell. Sam’s biological parents died when he was a small boy. His mother died when he was only two years old, and his father died when he was six. He moved to Jackson as a young boy and was adopted as a young teen by C.E. “Bill” and Dora Mae Bledsoe.

Sam led a remarkable life. After graduating from Jackson High School in 1949, he entered the United States Navy where he served aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Princeton. He was a proud Korean War veteran and retired after 20 plus years of service which included both active duty and the U.S. Navy Reserve. He also retired after 36 years of service with South Central Bell (currently AT&T,) where he last held the position of Telecommunications Consultant.

Sam will always be remembered for his unwavering faith and commitment to his community. He was baptized at First Baptist Church – Jackson, at the age of 17 and continued his active membership there serving as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, and as a member of the Barnabas Group. He extended his mentoring to the development of young men as Scout Master of Troop 3 at First Baptist for 25 years. Scouting always held a special place in Sam’s heart.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Rosemary Chessor Cogdell and their children, Sam F. Cogdell, III, Richard Cogdell, Jean Anne Cogdell, and Eric Cogdell as well as his brothers, Mike Bledsoe (Sandra) and John Paul Bledsoe (Jenny.) He is also survived by two grandchildren, Kelly Cogdell Gentry (Lee) and Maya Novak-Cogdell, and three great-grandchildren, Layne, Jailyn, and Benjamin Gentry.

He was preceded in death by his biological and adoptive parents; two brothers, C.E. “Buddy” Bledsoe, and Elmer Cogdell; a sister, Doris Cogdell Petty; and a granddaughter Miranda Cogdell.

A graveside service honoring Sam’s life was held Monday, July 29, 2024, at Ridgecrest Cemetery with Rev. Scott Gilbert, pastor of First Baptist Church-Jackson, officiating.