William Alfred Bedford was born in Dobb’s Ferry, New York, June 17, 1946. He was the second child of Alfred Bedford and Eloise Logan Bedford. After his father finished his medical training, the family moved to Durango, Colorado, in 1956. After his parents divorced, he split time between Colorado and Texas.
He graduated from Fort Lewis A and M College and taught in a Dallas high school. He then went to Air Force Officer Candidate School and became a navigator. This was a good fit and he decided to make a career of it becoming a navigator instructor and eventually being responsible for the logistics of several large and complex military operations, while also obtaining two masters degrees. He saw combat in both Vietnam and Desert Storm.
On completing his military career in Abilene, Texas, as a Lieutenant Colonel, he began a new career; first opening a very successful coffee house and then moving on to a full scale restaurant. During that time and after he closed the restaurant ,he was very involved with his church, First Central Presbyterian of Abilene TX, and doing volunteer work with “Helping Hands“ providing meals for the homeless on a weekly basis, among other things.
He is survived by his son Stephen Bedford, daughters Carey, Dana and Diane, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and his wife of 16 years, Janice Anita Bedford.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation, The Davis Phinney Foundation or a charity of choice.
Click here to view the recording of the funeral service on July 21, 2022: https://vimeo.com/731052038
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Bedford family.
