“Each of us, someday, will go home again.”

Bobby Allen Bearden was born to Willie Ocile and Lula Dee Rush Bearden on March 17, 1949. His life’s journey on earth ended Oct. 10, 2011, at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Ala.

“Bobby is home again.”

Bobby became a very young entrepreneur. With encouragement from his father and the Dallas County 4-H Club mentors and a big white draft work horse, named Caldonia, he won the National Corn Growing Championship. His interest in the cattle industry brought him many ribbons and awards for producing and showing grande and reserve champion stock year after year. He served and represented Dallas County in many local and state activities as a leader for FFA and 4-H clubs. He was awarded the American Farmers Degree for his production of livestock and greenhouse operation.

Following his graduation from school, he entered business with his father in building and expanding the family nursery and greenhouses. Shortly thereafter, he served his country on active duty in the 107th Transportation Company Army National Guard and Reserve as an aircraft electrician.

Upon his return to Plantersville, Ala., he purchased the greenhouse operation and through the years has expanded it to one of the largest operations in the Southeast. Bobby was blessed to have had many faithful employees to help him gain this distinction. He held memberships in the Alabama and American Nurseryman’s Associations.

Bobby’s diversification of his many interests led him into forestry and conservation. His strong belief, “One generation plants the trees, and the next one sits in the shade,” has been proven by growing and planting millions of pine seedlings. His exceptional knowledge of the Longleaf Pine has been shared by many throughout the area.

Along with his love of the forest, wildlife conservation was always included in every management plan of his forest development. Honors in forestry received by Bobby include: Treasure Forest Award, Alabama Tree Farmer of the Year 1992, District Helen Mosley Award, One In A Million, and Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation, District, plus awards for providing Educational

Programs and Tours in forestry and conservation on his timberlands. He held memberships in the Treasure Forest Association, Long Leaf Alliance, Alabama Forestry Commission, Tree Farm Association and Alabama Forest Owners Association. Bobby was a contributor to the Auburn School of Forestry and Log-a-Load for Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, Ala.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Marilou Henderson Bearden; son, Folsom Allen (Tammy) Bearden of Plantersville; brother, Col. (retired) Billy (Ester) Charles of Lincoln, Alabama; sister, Cynthia (Randy) Tyus of Plantersville; and sister and brother-in-law, Jim and Sue Draime.

He was fondly known as “Pop Pop” to his three grandchildren, Alena Nicole, Folsom Allen Jr. and Ally Brooke Bearden.

“Bob and Uncle Bobby” will be remembered by a number of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

“A special note of thanks” for your concern, caring, warm thoughts and most of all, your prayers.

Funeral services will be Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Plantersville Baptist Church. Visitation will be held at Selma Funeral Home on Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 5-7 p.m. Interment at Plantersville Christian Cemetery will follow funeral services with the Rev. Donald Harris officiating and Selma Funeral Home directing.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Alabama Forestry Commission.

“Rest well, Bobby, May your shadow be cast daily on all of your trees.”

You may go online to view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest book at selmafuneralhome.com.