William Eugene Bearden's Obituary
William (Bill) Eugene Bearden, age 96, passed away peacefully, September 24, 2024, with family at his side, at the Healthcare Center-Richland Place.
He was the son of the late Wiliam Edgar Bearden and Cora Baggett Bearden, and is preceded in death, by his wife of 73 years, Mildred ‘Laverne” Swift Bearden. He is also preceded in death by his four siblings, Irene (Alex) Smith, Austin (Grace) Bearden, Wayne (Juanita) Bearden and Margaret (JC) Hankins. He was the much-loved son-in-law of the late, Rev. James Garner Swift and Clara Dawson Swift.
Bill is survived by sons James W. Bearden (Sheila), Thomas E. Bearden and daughter Barbara A. Bearden (Deborah). His love for his three children was unwavering. His face was all smiles at the sight and sounds of his granddaughters, Amy Bucy (Brad), Jenna Gunnels (Josh) and Christy Feldman (Jake). He delighted in spending time with his great-grandchildren, Kat and Addison Gunnels, Ava and Mason Bucy, and Asher and Judah Feldman.
Throughout his long and fulfilling life, he was supported by a loving network of family and friends who walked alongside him in his journey. A man doesn’t reach 96 years old without the support of a village. Many preachers and Sunday School teachers guided his way, and likewise, he set the road straight for more than a few young kids who would step out of line in the church hallway. In his later years, he would simply stay in the chair and point his cane. Here now you boys need to . . . He would point the cane with one hand while handing out peppermint candy with the other. He sure loved the kids at Inglewood Baptist Church where he dedicated over five decades as an active member.
In addition to his dedication to church ministry, Bill worked tirelessly for over 40 years in the grocery business - managing stores both in Clarksville and Nashville. Even after retirement, he continued to use his retail expertise for good by collecting surplus produce and bread from his grocery connections for distribution to those in need across Nashville. His selflessness extended beyond this as well - volunteering with Meals on Wheels program where he touched countless lives through nourishment and compassion
Our family is grateful for the angels that the Lord sent to take care of Pa and Grandma during their final years – Kelley, Cathey, Wanda, and especially Patricia who looked over Pa for six years. We are also thankful for the loving caregivers at Richland Place.
Daddy, Pa, Bill, Uncle Bill – you were much loved and will be greatly missed.
He would love nothing more than to see his family and friends fill a box of food for the Inglewood Baptist Food Pantry. There will be a donation box on Sunday at the Oak Street entrance. Or, honor him with a cash donation, designated to the food pantry, at Inglewood Baptist Church, 3901 Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN 37216
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