Joel Elwyn Bearden Jr.

Helena

Mr. Joel Elwyn Bearden Jr., 81, of Helena, passed away at home on Nov. 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, eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Kathleen Perkins, Frances Lewis and Shirley Genry; brother, Ralph Bearden; a number of nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. The family will receive friends on Nov. 12 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Riverchase Church of Christ with the service to begin at 12:30 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South.