Nathan Wilbert Bedford

Nathan Wilbert Bedford, age 88, of Loganville, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. He was a member of Lithonia First Baptist Church where he sang in the choir and served on the Personnel Committee. In high school, Nathan's classmates voted him best looking in the senior class. He served as a Military Police (MP) officer in the United States Army. Nathan played baseball for Wilmington College and then received a baseball scholarship to play at the University of Alabama where he was the catcher and graduated in 1962. He served in the catcher position on the roster for the Minor League team of the Kansas City Royals. In the 1980s and after retiring in the 1990s, he played recreational softball for his church, Lithonia First Baptist. He played the position of shortstop on several competitive teams in Atlanta-area men's softball leagues. Based on his offensive production statistics and defensive talent, Nathan was awarded a roster spot as shortstop on the prestigious Senior League National Competition Softball Team in the early 2000s. Nathan devoted his life as a teacher and coach of baseball, football, and gymnastics at Chamblee and Walker High Schools in the DeKalb County School System in the 1960s. He met his wife, Judy, while coaching at Chamblee where she was the librarian. Having married in 1966, they were married for 57 years until her death on December 15, 2023. They had two children, a daughter and a son. He had the joy and honor of coaching his children and grandchildren in sports. In his free time, Nathan loved to play golf and watch University of Alabama football and Braves baseball. In an Atlanta area competitive golf tournament in the early 2000s, Nathan scored a hole-in-one on a par three hole. He loved God, his family, and competitive sports, where he excelled.

He is predeceased by his parents Dortch and Ella Bedford, his loving wife of 57 years Judy Baird Bedford; brothers: Johnny Bedford, Leroy Bedford, Willie Bedford, and K.D. Bedford; sisters: Aliean Daughtry and Virginia Holzkamm.

Nathan is survived by his daughter, Christy Bedford; son, Nathan Scott Bedford; grandchildren: Kaitlyn Forester (Kenneth) and Jarrett Thomas (Chelsea); and great-grandchildren: Freya Forester and Willow Forester (due in March).

The family ask that if he ever coached you in a sport, please wear your jersey to the visitation, bring old photos, and stories to share.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Lithonia First Baptist Church (PO Box 378, Lithonia, GA 30058) in his memory.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Smith Funeral Home from 4:00 to 6:00PM. Funeral Service will be held Monday, December 23, 2024 at 2:00PM in the Chapel of Smith Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Barrow Memorial Gardens.