William Bearden

William Earl Bearden, of Winnsboro, Texas, passed away on December 7, 2019 in Tyler, Texas. Mr. Bearden was born on September 21, 1944 in Farmersville, Texas and was a self-employed truck driver for many years. William entered the U.S. Army at 17 and was stationed in Germany. While in Germany, Mr. Bearden met and married Rita Christine Gallei on January 7, 1965 in Wurzburg, Germany. They enjoyed nearly 55 years together as husband and wife. He and Rita were members of Grace Fellowship Church in Winnsboro. Mr. Bearden was preceded in death by his parents William Dewey Bearden and Nora Nell Winchester Hass-Bearden; sister Shirley Griffin; brothers Kenneth Hass, Donald Hass and Joe Bob Bearden. William is survived by wife Rita Bearden; son Jakob Thomas Bearden and wife Jennifer; granchildren Noah Jakob Bearden and Bree Geneva Bearden; sisters Doris Bolt, Delores Duncan and husband Gary, Kay Cofer and husband Jerry, and Margie Ordiway; brothers Joseph Walter Bearden and J T Bearden; and numerous nieces and nephews.