McMinnville resident and Bledsoe County native Randall Greer Bickford, 89, was born May 8, 1924 and died July 12 at River Park Hospital following a brief illness.
He was the son of the late James Oscar and Louia Hale Bickford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, J.L. and Eugene Bickford.
He was married Aug. 26, 1984 to Carolyn Byars Bickford of McMinnville. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Gary R. Bickford of Knoxville, and Sharon L. Bickford of Cartersville, Ga.; granddaughter, Lauren Gannon of Knoxville; great-granddaughter, Bailey Watson of Knoxville; stepdaughter, Dawn Carter of McMinnville; stepson, Troy (Emily) Carter of McMinnville; step-grandson, William Dale Carter of McMinnville; sister, Elizabeth (Herb) Sudhoff of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Bickford was a member of the Church of Christ at Smyrna. He served as a minister of Finley Church of Christ and Plainview Church of Christ in Sparta for several years. He also served as an elder at Kingwood Heights Church of Christ in Murfreesboro. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corps Roosevelt’s Tree Army. He was a Kroger manager for many years and retired as an independent insurance agent. He and Carolyn were members of the Warren County Farmers Market.
Funeral service was held Saturday in High’s Chapel with Jonathan Stubblefield and Wayne Cantrell officiating. Burial followed at Smyrna Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Caring Hearts United or Relay For Life.
High Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Southern Standard
(McMinnville, Tenn.) July 14, 2013