James Edward Bedford Sr.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Mr. James Edward Bedford Sr., 49, passed away Monday, July 16, 2012, at his home at 1220 South 7th Street in Blytheville.

Mr. Bedford graduated from Blytheville High School in 1981 where he excelled in football and became one of the team's Most Valuable Players. He was a former employee of Nibco in Blytheville.

He was a member of the New Mount Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Lawrence Echols.

Mr. Bedford was preceeded in death by his parents, Louis Sr. and Virgie Bedford; a sister, Linda Bedford; and two brothers, Louis Jr. and John Bedford, all formally of Blytheville.

He is survived by one son, James (P.J.) Bedford Jr. of Blytheville.;

One brother, James Barner Sr. of Joiner;

Four sisters, Ruby Bedford Robinson of Detroit, Vessie Bedford Williams of Chesapeake, Va., Mary Bedford Thomas of Belleville, Ill., and Lis Bedford Guy of Blytheville;

A grandmother, Ms. Hattie D. Morris of Osceola;

Three aunts, four uncles, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and

Special friends, Mr. Paul and Venice Evans, Mr. Quinton Falls, Ms. Sandra Renea Blankinship and Mr. Lee Merriweather, all of Blytheville.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the New Mount Olive Baptist Church with the Rev. Lawrence Echols officiating. The family will receive guests from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Wilson Funeral Home in Blytheville.