Billy Travis Bearden

Mr. Billy Travis Bearden, Sr., age 80 of Calhoun, died early Monday, January 19, 2015 at his home following several years of declining health. He was born in Gordon County on August 15, 1934, son of the late Orion and Dorothy Bearden. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Billy "Little Bill" Travis Bearden, Jr.

Billy was known as "Mr. Recreation" to many, due to the influence and impact he had on the Calhoun Recreation Department. He was employed with the department from November 20, 1962 until he retired on December 31, 1992.

He is known for the many accomplishments he has had in life, including playing baseball for five years with the Milwaukee Crackers organization, was a two-time All American in softball, played on seven regional champion teams, and was named MVP in seven state tournaments and five regional tournaments. As a pitcher, Bearden won more than 600 games, pitched three perfect games, and hit 350 home runs. He remained an active player from 1950 through 1979, and played on champion teams from five states including Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia. He was named to the Georgia ASA Hall of Fame in 1988.

Billy was employed by the Canton, NC recreation department for four years, and the recreation departments in Fox Hill, VA and Clearwater, FL. He was the head of recreation activities for the local VFW Post before joining the Calhoun Recreation Department.

Billy has taken a lot of kids headed in the wrong direction under his wing and turned them into productive members of the city and county.

In March of 2013, the City of Calhoun dedicated a building at the Recreation Department to Billy Bearden. "I had the best job in the country and I loved it," said Billy.

He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Bobbie Jean Allen Bearden; two daughters and sons-in-law, Donna Faye Bearden Grant (Jerry) of Varnell, GA, and Melinda Bearden Cox (Hugh) of Calhoun; a brother, Tony Bearden (Lonnie) of Sugar Valley; three sisters, Charlotte Christian of Calhoun, Diane Kirby (Charlie) of Calhoun, and Kathy Cleveland (Greg) of Plainville; grandchildren, Jessica Linn and Tyler Grant; a great-grandchild, Drake Linn; and special friends, Melanie Moore and Sharon Bass (Eddie). Numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Billy Travis Bearden will be held Tuesday, January 20th at 11:00 AM from Belmont Baptist Church with Eddie Brannon and Jerry Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Chandler Cemetery. Active pallbearers will include Chuck Kirby, Billy Kay, Donald Stitcher, Ronnie Reeves, Reggie Glaze, Larry Bryant, and Billy Payne. Honorary pallbearers are Larry Bryant, Scott Fletcher, Jimmy Palmer, Rick Brown, Kathy Harrison, City of Calhoun employees, past and present Calhoun/Gordon County Recreation Board members, Orlando Wilson, Richard Bone, and Jimmy Prater.
The Bearden family will receive friends Monday, January 19th from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Belmont Baptist Church, 126 W. Belmont Dr., Calhoun.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Harris Radiation Center, Gordon Hospital, 1035 Red Bud Road, Calhoun, 30703, and Melanoma Research Foundation, 1411 K. Street NW Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005.

Condolences may be left online at www.maxbrannonandsons.com. Services for Mr. Billy Travis Bearden, Sr. are under the care and direction of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home of Calhoun.