Bearden Funeral Home serves Dawson County and the surrounding areas. The funeral home was established in 1965 and was purchased by Ted Bearden in 1991. Since that time we have completely remodeled the facility adding a chapel that will seat over 300 with state of the art audio and video systems, a large family center, common area, a conference room, additional parking and we are fully handicapped accessible.
Meet our staff
Ted Bearden, Owner
Ted started his funeral career in 1970 at this same firm. After graduating from Gupton Jones College, he spent over 15 years in funeral service with the largest funeral home in Atlanta. He also serves as Dawson County’s Coroner. He has served as president of the Independent Funeral Directors of Georgia, the Georgia Coroner’s Association, the Dawson County Rotary Club, serves on the Board of Directors for United Community Bank, has served on the Dawson County Board of Health, is a member of the Arts Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the National Funeral Director’s Association. Ted is a member of Bethel Baptist Church where he has held several positions. Having played music most of his life, he is a member of the bluegrass band, Little Mountain. Ted and his wife, Lisa, have two children, James and Wesley.
James Bearden, Funeral Director
James grew up along side his father in funeral service. He was an honor graduate of Dawson County High School and Ogeechee School of Funeral Service in Statesboro, GA. He was licensed in 2008.
Catherine Manier, Office Manager
Catherine’s father originally established the funeral home and she has worked m any years in the business. When her father passed away and the funeral home was sold to Mr. Bearden, she agreed to continue to serve the firm using her many skills.
Lanier Swafford, Funeral Director
Lanier is a lifelong resident of Dawson County and has been employed in the funeral home since 1984.
Charles Townsend, Funeral Director
Charles lives in Gainesville, GA and worked in funeral service in Hall County for over 40 years. He came on the staff in 2000.
Wesley Bearden, Funeral Assistant
Wesley has grown up in the family business and works as a funeral assistant when not in school. He has his father and brother to mentor him as he begins his career in funeral service.
Rodney Castleberry, Funeral Assistant
James Swafford, Funeral Assistant
Kenny Williamson, Funeral Assistant
Mike Talley, Funeral Assistant