/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/399/475944/PNmYwyDnixL82WqeMrbedgoodedifrmdt2.jpeg)
Obituary For Cleveland Bedgood Jr.
We regretfully announce the passing of Mr. Cleveland Bedgood Jr., age 92 of Newnan, Ga. on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Piedmont Newnan Hospital.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, St. Paul CME Church located at 463 Sewell Road in Grantville, Georgia 30220.
Rev. Montavious Brinson, Pastor and Pastor James Clements Jr.,( Shy Temple CME Church, Atlanta, Georgia), Eulogist.
Interment will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery located at 600 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35211.
Public viewing will be held on Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Funeral Home.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS PLEASE MAKE DONATIONS TO ST. PAUL CME CHURCH
Cleveland Bedgood, Jr., a native of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away
suddenly and peacefully on May 1, 2025. Born to the late Cleveland Bedgood, Sr.,
and Beatrice Bennett Bedgood, he was one of five children in a family that valued
education, faith, and community service.
Cleveland’s journey began in the Birmingham Public School System, where he
graduated from the renowned A.H. Parker High School. His academic pursuits
led him to Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas, under the guidance of his
uncle, William Walter Bennett, Sr. While at Jarvis, Cleveland not only excelled in
his studies, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, but also showcased his
athletic talents on the football field.
Following his graduation, Cleveland was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served
for two years before being honorably discharged. Upon returning to Birmingham, he
embarked on a career as a mail carrier, a role that reflected his dedication to serving
his community.
Cleveland was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Betty Ann Phillips. Their union
was blessed with three children, and together, Cleveland and Betty pursued careers in
education. Their commitment to teaching led them to the Meriwether County School
System in Georgia, where they made a lasting impact on countless students.
The Bedgood family settled in the Lone Oak and St. Mark communities, where
Cleveland’s influence continued to grow. He taught Biology at Greenville Consolidated
High School and Greenville High School before advancing to administrative roles
as Assistant Principal at Woodbury High School and Hogansville High School. His
career culminated in his role as Principal of Luthersville Elementary School, where
he left an indelible mark on the school and its students.
Cleveland’s dedication to education was matched by his commitment to lifelong
learning. He earned Master’s degrees from Atlanta University and West Georgia
College, continually seeking to expand his knowledge and skills. His passion for
service extended beyond the classroom, as he became an active member of numerous
organizations. Cleveland was a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,
Incorporated, and a member of 100 Black Men of West Georgia. He also contributed
to the Meriwether County Democratic Party, the Meriwether County Lions Club, and
the Meriwether County Zoning Commission.
A man of deep faith, Cleveland’s spiritual journey began at Trinity Baptist Church
in Birmingham. He later joined St. Paul C.M.E. Church in Lone Oak, where he was
a dedicated member of the Male Chorus and served on both the Steward Board and
the Trustee Board.
Cleveland Bedgood, Jr., leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. He is
survived by his three children: Terri Lynne Bedgood, Candace Anita Bedgood Stiles
(Raymond), and Richard Rene Bedgood (Michele); six grandchildren, Annelise Stiles,
Marissa Stiles (David), Suzanne Stiles, Rachel Stiles, Richard (Quade) Bedgood IV,
and Peyton Bedgood; and one great-grandchild, Elara Bette Stiles. He also leaves a
host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, fraternity brothers, and friends who will
cherish his memory.
Cleveland’s life was a testament to the power of education, the importance of
community, and the strength of faith. His legacy will continue to inspire all who
knew him.
Arrangements entrusted to Thrash and Sons Funeral Home.
Services
Public Viewing
Interment
Photos & Video
Condolences & Tributes
Add A Condolence
Daretia Hawkins planted 5 trees in memory of Cleveland Bedgood Jr. . - May 09, 2025
Kenneth sneed sent Bright and Beautiful Spray for Cleveland Bedgood Jr. - May 05, 2025
I always have and shall always treasure the friendship, wisdom, and kindness of my brother and mentor, Mr Cleve Bedgood. He was always true to whatever and to whomever he committed himself to. He did everything heartily and He loved lavishly, as THE LORD Requires. HE FOUGHT A GREAT FIGHT! HALLELUJAH! 🙏🔥💖
One of my favorite relatives. My bonus Uncle, Junior Bedgood. Never forget the visits to my dad and mom's house in Birmingham where the laughing and card games would go on forever. If mom made her famous gumbo Uncle Jr. would eat till he couldn't hold no more. So many wonderful memories. Glad I was able to see him just recently. But he is okay with Aunt Betty B. - Rest in Peace!
My Condolences to the family.God allowed him to Live a wonderful and long life.Keep your hands in God hands he can and he will give you comfort you all need.He was a wonderful teacher.
Mr. Cleveland Bedgood was a very good teacher, leader, & took his students to his heart. He wanted them to excel & have a good life going forward. After many years of teaching in the classroom, he became a Principal. According to his other students, as a Principal, he also, did a very good job. At Greenville Consolidated High School in Greenville, Georgia, he taught us Biology, Chemistry, General Science, etc. He also helped with the Athletic Department & aided in Coaching. He taught us well, & He endured a lot as a Professional Educator during the Civil Rights Struggle, before Integration. He & The (Late) Mr. Willie James Anderson, our Math Teacher, were great friends and they co-opted managing the Males at the school. Mr. Bedgood was a well respected Teacher to so many students, & also among the Parents. He also allowed the students to aide him, for his classes. We also had some different projects to complete which furthered our knowledge, beyond High School. Mr. Bedgood has left an indelible mark in our Society. We thank him for his contributions to all of humanity! He will be missed! Rest In Peace, Mr. Bedgood. God Has you, now! 🙏💕
- Elease Partridge ( Class of 1965)
- Elizabeth Partridge-Godfrey (Class of 1969)
- The Original High School for African Americans - Greenville Consolidated High School Greenville, Georgia
Candice, Terri, Richard, and the entire family, I want to express my heartfelt condolences. Brother Bedgood, along with Mrs. Betty, brought great joy into my life—I truly loved and appreciated them both. Whenever I was in Brother Bedgood's presence, he exemplified the very best of Brotherhood, and I will always cherish those moments.
May his memory be a lasting blessing to all who knew and loved him.
My Condolences goes out to the family Mr Bedgood was my Teacher he was a good person from Harion Ellis and family
My sincere condolences to the family. Mr. Bedgood was my high school chemistry teacher and school administrator. He was also a hood friend of my dad. They worked many years together. He was a good person and a great leader. May God surround you in his love and care.
Dick, my heart and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time. I pray that the peace that passes understanding fill you and surround you. Sending you much love and light.
Our most heartfelt and sincerest condolences are extended to the Bedgood family. We are praying for your new normal to be filled with blessings and peace from our Lord and Savior, knowing that there is no more suffering for Bro. Cleveland Bedgood and that his legacy will live on long after the date the Lord brought him home.
To the Bedgood family: Your dad will be remembered for his kindness and support in exemplifying the Alpha trait of " Goodwill is the monarch of this house." He and Mrs. Bedgood took me in and allowed me to travel with you all to my first Alpha convention - simply on the strength of your son Richard as my Line Brother. Moreover, his service to the community as a Brother and outstanding Educator is to be applauded. We thank him for upholding the light for 92 years. May his light shine brightly for an eternity as he rests in peace from a life well-lived. Well done.
My deepest condolences, Ken Sneed
Losing a loved one is incredibly painful, and very personal.
Creating an online memorial for Cleveland Bedgood Jr. is more than sharing stories—it's a step toward healing. A space where memories live on, grief finds expression, and love is never forgotten.
Memorials on ForeverMissed.com help preserve the beauty of a life well-lived. Share stories, photos, and moments that mattered—and let them be remembered.
