Jimmy Cleo Bearden

Mr. Jimmy Cleo Bearden, age 73, husband of Evelyn Rose Bearden, passed away on August 6, 2024, at Baptist Memorial Hospital- DeSoto in Southaven, Mississippi after a brief, but courageous fight. He was born on December 3, 1950, in Poughkeepsie, Arkansas, the son of Sidney Bryan Bearden and Lois Virgine Sandefer Bearden. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Dayton, Mitch, and Larry Bearden.

Jimmy's educational journey began at T.A. Futrall High School in Marianna, Arkansas, where he laid the foundation for a successful future. Following his time there, he enlisted in the Army National Guard where he served with commendations until 1975. He returned to higher education as a non-traditional student where he furthered his academic pursuits and graduated from Northwest Community College with a degree in business in 1989.

Jimmy would tell you his happiest days began when he married Evelyn and joined the Rose family where he was SO loved by her parents and gained five more brothers and another sister. Evelyn’s brothers were known for giving everyone nicknames and that is how Jimmy became “Ol Bearden.” He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Evelyn Rose Bearden; two loving daughters, Virginia Bearden Creech (David) and Laurie Bearden Walton (Jason); his sister, Judy Floyd (Jerry); and his brother, Adam Bearden (Hollye). He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Alex Creech (Skyla), Reagan Creech, Caroline Walton, and John Walton; as well as his great granddaughter, Ari Rose Creech.

Jimmy led an accomplished life, marked by his unwavering dedication and tireless work ethic. He began his early years in farming, became a Marianna fireman where he lived above the fire station the first year Virginia was born and next door to his favorite Uncle, J. Dean. He then went into sheet-metal and HVAC work, but later transitioned to become a Supervisor with Dover Elevators moving his family from Arkansas to Nesbit, Mississippi in 1979. His commitment and leadership skills led him to advance and serve as the Operations Director of DeSoto County until his well-deserved retirement. He also played a large role in the Nesbit Volunteer Fire Department, serving as the Assistant Chief and Chief (701) of the Nesbit Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years, showcasing his bravery and devotion to his community. Jimmy and his family attended First Baptist Nesbit for many years. This church is very special to him as he was baptized in July 1983 with his daughters. He and his wife have served alongside many friends over the last several years at LaBelle Haven Baptist Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi.

Bearden was an outdoorsman at heart as were all the Bearden boys. He loved to fish and hunt. Some of the best stories about Bearden are from these activities that he shared with his brothers, his brother-in law Johnny, his son-in-law Jason, and especially his nephew Brian. In his younger days, he spent his time teaching his girls to shoot lay ups, jump shots, and how to field and throw a ball. He loved talking sports with son-in-law David. His passion for the simple joys in life was truly reflected in his hobbies and interests. But, what he is most known for is how he loved. He loved his wife and girls BIG. He used to say that he could not wait to have sons-in law so the numbers would even out! Turns out, God gave him even numbers of male and female with his grandchildren. He was SO happy when Alex was born on Evelyn’s birthday, when his beautiful Reagan would entertain him with a surprise visit with coffee, his Wednesday lunches with his Sweet Caroline, and measuring John’s height and watching him learn to drive his Paw Paw’s truck. He loved his daughters’ friends as if they were his own, especially Mary Frances, Lee, Misty Kay, and Jennifer.

Funeral Services for Jimmy were held at 3 P.M. at the church with Rev. Dean Stewart, Pastor of LaBelle Haven Baptist Church, officiating. Jimmy’s two sons-in law also shared from their hearts. Interment with Military Honors followed in the Nesbit Cemetery in Nesbit, Mississippi.

Pallbearers included the men who served on the Nesbit Fire Department with him; Mark Kendrick - his best friend’s son, John Caldwell, Larry Loomis, Mark Gardner, Steve Coleman, Gary Billingsley, Foster Derrington, and honorary pallbearer Larry Homer Taylor. Other honorary pallbearers were close friends and neighbors who saw after each other for years; Les Young, Billy Skaggs, Bill Robb, Mike Stephens, Dan Hart, and Bobby Pace.

During his life, Jimmy touched the hearts of many with his humor, kindness, dedication, and sweet spirit. His legacy will forever inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, that memorials be directed to the Nesbit Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 53, Nesbit, MS 38651.