James E. Bedford Sr

BEDFORD, JAMES EDWARD SR. - age 84 of South Knoxville went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 16, 2011 following an extended illness. He was a veteran of W.W. II serving in the U.S. Army and retired from United Airlines. In 1999 James' son, retired U.S. Army CSM Ronald Bedford, began a 1,500 mile walk from Mobile, AL to Washington D.C. in hopes to raise money for the construction of a memorial to honor W.W. II veterans like his father. Today the veterans memorial is built on the national mall in Washington, D.C. James is preceded in death by parents Bert Bedford and Alfa Mae Brown and daughter in-law Deborah Bedford. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Violet; his children and their spouses; Michael and Kathy Bedford, Sheila Vess, Ramona and David Gibbs, James E. Bedford Jr. (J.B.), Rickey and Angelia Bedford, Ronald Bedford, Jerry and Karen Bedford, Jack and Jeanie Bedford, and Sherry Lundy. Grandchildren and their spouses; Denise Jones, Michael Bedford Jr.,

Mary Etheridge, Angela and Dean Lane, Bridgette Bledsoe, Randy and Michelle Gibbs, Lisa and Samuel Latham, Emilee Bedford, Rhonda and Heath Watson, Dee Dee and Jason Watson, Brooke and Clay Covington, Shane Bedford, Corey Bedford, and Daniel Lundy. Great grandchildren; Valer and Anastasia Etheridge, Caven Bedford, Jamie Bishop, Dustin and Amanda Lane, Joshua Lane, Anthony Lane, D.J. Gibbs, Holt Watson, Hasten Watson, Grant Watson, Tal Watson, Bryce Watson, Reese Watson, Grace Watson, and Carter Covington. Great, great grandchild; Gabriel Lane. Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday October 20, 2011 at Berry Funeral Home, Chapman Highway, with service to follow at 8 p.m. officiated by Pastor Richard Richter Jr. and Dennis "Denny" Ford. Family and friends will meet at Greenwood Cemetery Friday, October 21, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. for interment service. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.