Joel Bearden, Jr

Mr. Joel Elwyn Bearden, Jr., 81, of Helena, passed away at home on Thursday, November 8, 2012. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a long-time faithful member and Elder at the Pelham Church of Christ. He was born and raised on Bearden Farms and loved his many years as a dairy farmer. He was President of the Shelby County Farmers Federation and a Shelby County Commissioner. He was a graduate of Auburn University class of 1952. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, 4 months and 19 days, Peggy Bearden, his daughter, Jan Bearden Peoples and his brother Leonard Bearden. He is survived by his three daughters, Mickey Finn, Kim Bearden Dudley and Staci Ballard (Royce); 11 grandchildren, Shannon, Lee, Eric, Michelle, Mindy, Cody, Katie, Alex, Cory, Kyle and Reid, 8 great-grandchildren; sisters, Kathleen Perkins, Frances Lewis and Shirley Genry, brother, Ralph Bearden; a number of nieces, nephews and a host of friends. The family will receive friends on Monday, November 12, 2012 from 10:30 until 12:30 at the Riverchase Church of Christ with the service to begin at 12:30 at the church. Interment will be in the Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South.