Obituary of LJ Bickford
Please share a memory of LJ to include in a keepsake book for family and friends.
L J Bickford, age 92, formerly of Marietta, GA, passed away October 8, 2016. He was the son of the late Claude Leonard Bickford and Artie Evans Bickford. He was born on the old family homestead located on what is now part of Fall Creek Falls State Park in Van Buren County, TN. He proudly served his country during World War II, and retired from Southern Railway as Superintendent/Engineer after many years of service. He spent much of his leisure time after retiring working on old Volkswagen vehicles, hunting and fishing, helping neighbors and friends until the disabling disease of COPD took his strength and ability to breathe. Being a strong family man, he enjoyed time spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His strong Christian faith and sense of family responsibility, helped him (along with his siblings) provide care for his mother and father when their health was failing; and provide the sole care of his wife for many years of her battle with Alzheimer's disease prior to her death in 2014.
He is survived by his children: Barbara (Forrest) Hartley of Stockbridge, GA, Sandra (James) Loomis of Holiday Island, Eureka Springs, AR, and Jerrold (Tammy Bates) Bickford of Marietta, GA; brother, Alvie Johnnie Bickford of Muncie, IN; sisters: Leola Campbell of Ringgold, GA and Lucille Reagan of Pikeville, TN; grandchildren, Julie (Heath) Taylor of Sandy Run, SC, Michael (Jennifer) Hartley of McDonough, GA, and Tiffany (Jasun) Heatley of Rockford, IL; great-grandchildren, Preston and Cooper Taylor, Joshua Hartley, Corbin and Jamison Gaines, Dakota and Ember Heatley; many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 from 10:00 am until 11:30 am at the Putnam-Reed Funeral Home, 1171 Main Street (Highway 127 South), Pikeville, TN. Funeral service will be held in the chapel immediately following visitation with Rev. Jack James officiating. Burial will be in Walling Cemetery with a graveside military honors service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Abbey Hospice Foundation, P O Box 68, Social Circle, GA 30025, or for Research of C.O.P.D through the American Lung Association.
