Shelby County GOP (original) (raw)

At the Shelby County Republican Party's February meeting, the Executive Committee voted unanimously to pass the following resolution to honor the life and work of former District 5 County Commissioner Joel Bearden.

A RESOLUTION IN MEMORY OF JOEL ELWYN BEARDEN, JR.

WHEREAS, the death of Joel Elwyn Bearden, Jr., Shelby County Commissioner, on November
8, 2012, is a source of deep sorrow to the Shelby County Republican Party; and

WHEREAS, Commissioner Bearden was a life-long resident of Shelby County, Alabama, born
and raised on Bearden Farms; and

WHEREAS, Commissioner Bearden was graduate of Auburn University class of 1952 ; and

WHEREAS, prior to holding elected office, Commissioner Bearden loved his many years as a
dairy farmer; and

WHEREAS, Commissioner Bearden held the distinction of serving as the president of the
Shelby County Farmers Association; and

WHEREAS, Commissioner Bearden was an active, supportive, and valued member of the
Shelby County Republican Executive Committee; and

WHEREAS, Commissioner Bearden gave generously and devotedly of his time to civic,
professional, and charitable endeavors, and particularly to his church, Riverchase Church of
Christ, where he was a long-time faithful member and elder; and

WHEREAS, Joel Bearden first held elected office as a distinguished member of the Helena City
Council, serving several terms until choosing not to seek re-election in 1988; and

WHEREAS, Commissioner Bearden was first elected to the Shelby County Commission during
the election of 1992; and

WHEREAS, days prior to his death, Commissioner Bearden was re-elected for a fifth term to the
District 5 county commission seat and was set to go on serving his beloved Shelby County, as
he did until the end of his life; and

WHEREAS, in holding the office of Shelby County Commissioner – District 5, Commissioner
Bearden served the citizens of Shelby County with distinction and was highly esteemed and
beloved by his peers, other elected officials, and his constituents; and

WHEREAS, left to cherish the memories of Commissioner Bearden are his three daughters,
eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; three sisters, a brother, a number of nieces,
and nephews, and a host of friends; and

WHEREAS, in the death of Commissioner Bearden, the community, his loving family, and many
friends have indeed suffered an inconsolable loss, yet his devotion and commitment in service
to the citizens of the Shelby County area and our state stand as a lasting legacy and tribute to
his memory; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SHELBY COUNTY REPUBLICAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, That
the Committee hereby honors the life and exemplary public service of County Commissioner
Joel Bearden, expresses its deep sadness at the loss of such a dear friend, and extends its
profound appreciation to his family, to whom a copy of this resolution shall be provided, for his
years of dedicated service to our county and to the Republican Party,

RESOLVED, this, the twelfth day of February, 2013, by a unanimous vote of the Shelby County
Republican Executive Committee.

FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE SHELBY COUNTY REPUBLICAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE,

Freddy Ard
Chairman

Jason DeLuca
Secretary