Bobby J. Bearden

Bobby J. “Buddy” Bearden, 73, of Southside, passed away Saturday, January, 26, 2013, at 12:25 p.m. after an extended illness. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at Collier-Butler Chapel with Bro. Bobby Joe Winningham officiating. Burial with full Military Rites will follow at Old Harmony Cemetery. Mr. Bearden will lie-in-state for one hour prior to the services Tuesday at the funeral home. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services directing.

Mr. Bearden was a retired Veteran of 20 years in the U.S. Army, having served in Vietnam and Korea. After his military service, he was employed by Republic Steel and Goodyear Tire and Rubber. Mr. Bearden was a caring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and loved his family with all of his heart. He attended John S. Jones, Southside High School, and finished high school and college in the military. Mr. Bearden enjoyed visiting and keeping up with family and friends, hot-rodding his vehicles, racing cars on and off the track, and always updating his trucks and gadgets. Most importantly, he took pride in attending his grandchildren’s activities.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, H.A. Sr. and Ozella Bearden; and parent, Mary E. Cook.

Mr. Bearden is survived by his wife, Marcelle Stone Bearden; his daughters, Debbie (James) Sprayberry, Linda (Art) Cleveland, and Sheila (Jeff) Clay; his grandchildren, Mickey (Shana) Fortenberry, Bubba (Christina) Fortenberry, Brad Clay, Brittney Clay, and Hunter Cleveland; and his great-grandchildren, Raven Fortenberry, Draven Burrage, and Ryleigh Partee.

Pallbearers will be members of the United States Army.

Honorary pallbearers will be Brownie Brown, Barrett Johnson, Tommy Ivey, Stan Pruett, and Jeff Bedwell.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to Dr. Anthony Metcalfe, M.D., Dr. George C. Robinson, M.D. F.A.C.S., Dr. Mazen Hakim, M.D., and all other doctors and staff that helped to treat my husband and our Dad throughout his long illness.

The family will receive friends on Monday, January, 28, 2013 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services in Gadsden.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.collier-butler.com.