William A. Bearden

William A. Bearden, 79, of Cape Coral, died Wednesday, October 15, 2008, under care of Hospice of Cape Coral. He was born Oct. 15, 1929, in Ashburn, Ga., to the late Paul and Lydia (nee: White) Bearden.

He moved to Florida soon after his birth and graduated from Belle Glade High School in 1947 where he played and loved the sport of football. He attended Florida State University and the University of Florida.

He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Germany.

He married Edna Earline Harn in 1954 in Clewiston, Fla., and had two beautiful daughters. He spent most of his career in insurance, enjoyed fishing and playing golf.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Earline of Cape Coral; daughters, Julie Steele and Lisa (Robert) Moss, both of North Fort Myers; sister, Betty Jo (Thomas) Williams of Dunnellon, Fla.; grandchildren, Jessica Boles, Brian Gray and Danielle Steele, and great-granddaughter, Gracie Lynn Gray, who was born Thursday.

He was preceeded in death by his father, Paul Bearden, and mother, Lydia Allen.

A memorial service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday at Fuller Funeral Home, 3740 Del Prado Blvd.

Flowers are welcomed and memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Cape Coral in his memory.

Arrangements by Fuller Cape Coral Funeral Home-Cremation Service.