CovingtonCares 21 Father Was Principal Dr. Blackledge moved with his family from Moss Point to Magee when he was in fourth grade. His father, Ray Blackledge, was principal at Magee High School and owned an auto dealership, Blackledge Ford. Dr. Blackledge attended Magee schools through ninth grade, then Simpson County Academy in Mendenhall. He received his undergraduate degree from Mississippi College and his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson. After a family medicine internship and residency at the University of Alabama and private family practice in Indianola, Mississippi, he came home to Magee. After five years with a physician group, he founded the clinic and went into solo practice. Wide Range of Care CCH Clinic Magee offers a wide range of family care services, including preventive care and treatment of minor injuries. The clinic provides physicals, including Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals, and Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefits for those under age 21 enrolled in Medicaid. Sonia Blackledge has shared her husband’s journey. They were high school sweethearts, married in 1990. Older son Gage is a physician himself, a surgery resident in Shreveport, Louisiana. Seth is a maritime lawyer in New Orleans. The youngest, daughter Brooke, plays basketball and tennis at Simpson County Academy. Away from the office, Sonia said, “Tommy has done everything. He has flown airplanes. He has gone scuba diving. He has gone skydiving. He’s an adventurer.” Gardening and Dogs These days, his main hobby is gardening and hanging out with the four family dogs: two Chihuahuas and two Great Danes. On weekends, the Blackledges like to visit their place on the Mississippi coast, in Gulfport, and boat to nearby islands. Even when he’s relaxing, Sonia said, Dr. Blackledge stays in motion – tending plants, pulling weeds, caring for the dogs. “He’s got to constantly be doing something,” she said. “He’s always been nose to the grindstone.” CCH Clinic Magee is a full-service family care clinic affiliated with Covington County Hospital. It is open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayFriday at 800 Third Street Southwest in Magee. Visit CovingtonCountyHospital.com/ cchmagee or call 601.849-1918. LEARN MORE L-R: Darrah Bruce, Admission Clerk; Sherry Turner, CCMA-CPT; Sonia Blackledge, RN; Hayley Dyess, Clinic Coordinator; Sharette Bass, CCMA-CPT Thomas and Sonia Blackledge at prom L-R: Gage holding Burger, Brooke holding Prissy, Seth holding Bou Office Pet: Zippy the Bearded Dragon
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