Henry Lee Bedford Jr.

Henry was born on November 18, 1947 in Mexia, Texas, to Henry and Frances Lee Bedford. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Dallas, Texas, in 1967. That same year, he proudly joined the United States Air Force, launching a distinguished career dedicated to service and safety.

During his Air Force career, Henry achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and was awarded several medals, including the Air Force Commendation Medal. He served as a firefighter and later as a safety inspector. He had the privilege of being stationed at several bases, including Yokota Air Force Base in Japan and Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii. After 24 years of honorable service, he retired from the Air Force in 1991. Henry later enjoyed a second career with VIA Metropolitan Transit, where he worked as a trans van driver until his retirement in 2008.

In 1970, Henry married the love of his life, Sandra Louise Crawford. Their beautiful union was blessed with three children: one daughter, Bridgetta, and two sons, Sheawn and Corey. As an Air Force family, they shared many adventures, traveling the world and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Henry’s love for travel extended beyond military life. He enjoyed cruising with his family and close friends, Rosalind and Lionel (deceased), and took pride in cross-country bus trips to visit historic Black landmarks. One of his most cherished recent memories was traveling to Las Vegas last Thanksgiving with his family to watch his favorite NCAA women’s basketball team—the South Carolina Gamecocks—compete in the Players Era Tournament. The trip was filled with laughter, great food, and plenty of basketball.

Henry had a true passion for woodworking, skillfully crafting furniture such as benches, tables, and chairs. He also found great joy coaching his wife and daughter in softball over the years. When relaxing, his favorite pastime was watching the news and staying informed.

A faithful servant, Henry was a dedicated member of Covenant Community Church, where he served on the usher board and hospitality ministry. He was known for warmly welcoming everyone with his infectious smile and kind spirit.

Henry Lee Bedford Jr. will be remembered for his devotion to family, his unwavering service to his country, his creativity, and his gentle, welcoming heart. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and service that will continue to inspire all who know him.

Henry leaves behind a legacy of love and precious memories. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Sandra Bedford; his daughter, Bridgetta Bedford of Forney, Texas; his sons, Sheawn Bedford (Kayone) of Converse, Texas, and Corey Bedford of Converse, Texas; his brother, Phillip Bedford of Dallas, Texas; and his sisters, Mary Bedford (LB) and Delores Bedford, both of Dallas, Texas.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Sheawn Jr. of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Olivia, Maya, Reyana, Linda, Melody, Kaylie (Isaiah), Caleb, Calen, and Kaytlin, great-granddaughter Aaliyah, all of San Antonio, Texas, godson Darius Todd (Tacoma, WA). His unwavering love and gentle spirit will also be fondly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends whose lives he touched and inspired.