Cecil Raymond Bedford

Cecil Raymond Bedford, 87, died peacefully December 11, 2004 at his home. He was preceded in death by four days by his brother, Marvin E. Bedford. Also preceding him were his parents, Cecil Raymond, Sr. and Beatrice Abernathy Bedford. He is survived by his wife, Lillian Lineberry Bedford; daughters, Barbara Byrd of San Antonio, TX, Georgia Bedford of Decatur, GA, and Phyllis Bedford of Atlanta, GA; son and daughter-in-law, Robert A. (Bob) and Priscilla Bedford of Raleigh, NC; daughter and son-in-law, Gloria and William (Bill) Wagner of Littleton, CO; grandchildren, John and Tamsen Boone, Scott Boone, Courtney Wagner, Sandy Byrd, and Janessa Byrd; great grandchildren, Brad, Amanda, Sophie and Harrison Boone; sister, Norma E. Smith of Norcross; and a host of additional relatives and friends. After attending Tech High in Atlanta, he enlisted in the U. S. Army at age 17 to defend freedom and stop aggression during World War II. As part of the "Greatest Generation", he served under Gen. George S. Patton and was among the second wave of American troops landing on the beaches on D-Day. He advanced with the 2nd Armored Division, "Hell on Wheels", to liberate France and on through to Berlin, where he celebrated V-E Day with the rest of the world. After WWII, he decided to make the Army his career and accepted missions to Germany and as part of the Korean DMZ protectors. He retired with the rank of Sergeant Major (E-9) after 32 years of faithful service to his country. After his military retirement, he worked for Burns Detective Agency for a few years. He worked for another decade at Thrower Brick/Bickerstaff Brick Co. until finally retiring for good. Once retired, he renewed his faith and membership in Candler Park Baptist Church where he proudly served as a Sunday school teacher and deacon until his death. Although the rough, loud Sgt. Major in him would often surface with adults, he always had a soft spot in his heart for children and animals. He took care to have packs of chewing gum ready to give to children and even kept a supply of dog biscuits in the trunk of his car for any dogs who might cross his path. His affection for them was pure and heartfelt. His final battle with cancer was one he had to lose so that he could live again and forever through the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We know he is now free of pain and we will join him again in God's perfect love. The family will receive friends Friday, Dec. 17th from 2:00-4:00 pm and from 6:00-9:00 pm at A. S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Saturday at 12 noon at Candler Park Baptist Church, 344 Candler Park Dr., Atlanta, GA, Rev. Mimi Walker and Rev. Fred Plate' officiating. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. A. S. Turner & Sons 404-292-1551.