Julie D Bedingfield

Julie grew up in Southeast Tampa, the only child of Horace and Lena Daniel. Her dad was a conductor for Seaboard Coastline Railroad. Julie graduated from Hillsborough High School where she met her husband, Milt Bedingfield, in physics class. Julie was the only girl in the class, and Milt asked her if he could sit in the seat next to her. She said yes, and they remained side by side, making magic together, for the next 69 years. Julie was a majorette and Milt played trumpet in Hillsborough’s marching band. Later, they graduated from the University of Tampa.

After graduation, Milt arranged for a radio station to play their song, “Stardust,” at the time when he planned to propose. She said yes, and they went on to have four children, two girls and two boys.

Julie thrived on supporting their various activities including band, competitive swimming, and baseball. Much of her time was spent chauffeuring kids to and from practices or events.

When the kids were older Julie and Milt were able to travel quite a bit as a result of Milt’s position with Prudential.

Julie loved all animals as long as they weren’t slimy, had gills or slithered on the ground. Over the years she and Milt adopted many dogs and cats, compliments of the kids, their favorite being Buford, an exceptionally gentle German Shephard.

In later years, Julie and Milt loved going over to Debbie and Dave’s house (Debbie’s husband) on weekend evenings and playing board games or Trivial Pursuit. Competition was fierce but always good natured.

In 2015, the dream ended with the passing of Milt Sr. after several years of poor health resulting from a stroke. Julie was by his side, as she always had been.

In the years since, she read, fervently, sometimes a novel a day, and when that was no longer possible, she found pleasure in socializing with others the best she could.

Although deeply saddened by the thought of never touching her skin, receiving her hugs, hearing her voice or seeing her eyes light up when we walk into the room, we are uplifted and so very thankful and grateful to have enjoyed having mom in our lives for so many years.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Milton Bedingfield, Sr., her parents, Horace and Lena Daniel, and two of her four children, Laura Bedingfield and Christopher Bedingfield. Julie leaves behind two of her children: Debbie Voiles (David), and Milton Bedingfield, Jr. (Terra), both of Tampa. She also leaves behind eight treasured grandchildren: Wendy, Ben, Zack, Chelsie, Natalie, Maggie, Adryanna, and Daniel, and great grandchildren, Atlas, and Wren.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Seminole Heights United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 W. Bearss Avenue, Friday, January 7th, 6-8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Seminole Heights United Methodist Church, 6111 N. Central Avenue, on January 8th, at 2 p.m.