Alan came to Macon in 1972 to teach at what was then Macon Junior College. He had earned his B.A. at Franklin College in Indiana, then enlisted in the U.S. Army before going on to PennState for his M.A.
In 1985 he received his Ph.D at Georgia State in Atlanta. He retired from MGSU in 2005 but continued to teach part time for several years.
Alan was known for his caring, fun-loving and generous character. He freely donated his support and enthusiasm to MGSU projects in addition to his teaching. He was very active in supporting the Back Pack Ministry at his church, Forest Hills United Methodist, which supplied much needed food for hungry kids. For many years he volunteered his time working with United in Pink, the cancer survivor group in Macon.
Dr. Bickford was born in Framingham, Massachusetts, in 1946 to Leonard W. And Elizabeth Kent Bickford. Alan was pre-deceased by his wife, Dr.Evelyn Toler Bickford, and his wife, Denise Pitts Bickford.
Alan is survived by his brother, Richard (wife Margaret) of Greenville, NH, a niece, Kate Bickford of Brooklyn, NY, and his beloved friend Glenda Wagner of Macon.
A graveside service in honor of Alan will take place in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery on Tuesday, February 2nd ,2021, at 2:00pm and will be presided over by the Reverend Dr. Baxter Hurley of the Forest Hill United Methodist Church. Services will be livestreamed, available at www.facebook.com/MaconMemorialPark
Donations in Alan’s memory will gladly be accepted by the Back Pack Ministry (foresthillsmacon.com) or the United in Pink group (unitedinpink.org).
Visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.
Arrangements entrusted to Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery.
