Robert Bearden

Robert Lee Bearden (Bob) passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, December 9, 2023.

Bob's daddy told him when he was young "Son, when you get ready to find a wife, look for her in church".

Standing in front of Center Baptist Church with a group of friends, Bob spotted a beautiful young girl gathered with a group of her friends under a tall oak tree just a few yards away.  He turned to his friends and declared "hey guys, you see that girl over there…… I'm going to marry her one day".

She was 14 and Bob always meant what he said.  In 1953, on October 31, he married that girl, Opal June Hardin, the love of his life.  And boy what a life they lived.  Bob joined the US Air Force which took them all over the United States.  They especially enjoyed living in Alaska and Massachusetts.  For 15 years they steadfastly prayed for a family and God granted their request and gave them two daughters, Stephanie and Julie who were born not by birth but through faithful prayers and in their hearts. They always told their girls they were special because they were chosen.

Bob's life was one of service.  Service to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to his family and to his Country.  He was a Deacon for 45 years at Oakland Heights Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School and led the discipleship program with Opal by his side.  He served as Deacon of Center Baptist Church for the last 4 years.

He proudly served his country for 23 years in the United States Air Force and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant, the highest rank for an enlisted serviceman. After retirement he went back to school and earned an associates degree.  He then went to work and retired from the US Postal Service based out of Kennesaw, Ga.

For the next several years he worked for various businesses including the Cartersville Country Club and Barnsley Gardens where he enjoyed playing golf in his free time.  He also loved to fish and hunt with his brother and friends. Going to church and worshiping his Lord, studying and teaching about God's love was his legacy.

Robert Lee Bearden was born in Sweetwater, Tennessee on March 23, 1934 to Rev. Lon Sr. and Norah Lee Brown Bearden, and was the youngest of 5.

The only time he was apart from his beautiful bride Opal was after she took her heavenly flight on April 30, 2020. Also, waiting for him in Heaven are his parents, older brothers Woodrow and Rev. Lon Jr., and sister Ruby Lee. He is survived by the oldest of all 5, his precious sister Elsa Bearden Knight, his daughters Stephanie Bearden Moore and Julie Bearden Carver (Bryan), grandchildren Stephen Moore, Olivia Carver, Sydney and Ayden Carver, several nieces and nephews, cherished church family and friends.

In keeping with Bob's dedication and life's mission found in Matthew 4:19, he would want you to know how to get to Heaven.  In John 3:16 the Bible reads: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Visitation will be held at Center Baptist Church on Saturday, December 16 from 12:00 - 1:30pm.  The funeral service will begin at 2:00pm with Pastor Joey Phillips officiating.  The graveside service will immediately follow at Sunset Memory Gardens.