David Lee Bedford went home to meet his Savior on Saturday, October 18, 2014. Surrounded by family and friends that he loved so much, David leaves a legacy of strength, determination and an unwavering faith in Christ, our Lord. Born on October 1, 1952 in Dallas, Texas, David was known affectionately by his family as a "do-bee" because he always did everything right. He was a bright child, and was honored with the rank of Eagle Scout at the young age of 14. David graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and entered Southern Methodist University. During his first year of college, he enlisted in the Air National Guard at the age of 19. He went on to tour Europe in the Air National Guard band, where he played the trumpet. Upon completion of his military service, David returned to SMU and received a degree in Business. After college, David attended Walnut Hill United Methodist Church where he met his wife of 34 years, Patti Nelms Bedford. In 1980 Patti founded Bedford Advertising, a business David would grow over the next 34 years under his steadfast leadership. David and Patti welcomed three children together, Beau, Rachel and Alexis. In 2005, Beau's son, Boston Lee, was born, making David a proud "Papa". After the passing of Patti Bedford, David married Cindy Bays Bedford in 2013. Together they enjoyed competing in running races, of which David won many medals, even while undergoing chemotherapy. David will forever be remembered as a Godly man by all who knew him. He accepted the Lord as his Savior at an early age, and fostered his relationship with Christ throughout his entire life. David is survived by his wife, Cindy Bedford, mother Norma Schipmann, son Beau Bedford, daughter Rachel Maynard and husband, Ryan, daughter Alexis Prochnow and husband, Stephen, and by his grandson, Boston Lee Akin. He is also survived by his brother Tom and wife, Becky, brother John and wife, Jan, sister Leslie Grubbs and husband, Randy, step-sister Teresa Granberry and husband Samuel, step-sister Cheryl Devoto and husband Khris, and by his step-sons Bryan and Brett Bays. A visitation will be held at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 from 5-7 PM. A funeral service will take place at his home church, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Dallas on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at 11 AM. At the conclusion of the service there will be a reception in the Atrium followed by a 2 PM graveside service at Restland Memorial Park.
Published in Dallas Morning News on Oct. 21, 2014