James Bearden, Sr.

James Delmas Bearden, Sr., 91, died Friday, December 15, 2017, at Twin Lakes Coble Creek Healthcare in Burlington, N.C.
Delmas was born on August 24, 1926, in Springfield, Ga., to the late James and Lottie Strange Bearden. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Norton Bearden, a brother, George Fredrick Bearden, and a sister, Myrtle Arlene Salter.
A WWII veteran, Delmas joined the Navy at age 15, "changing" his birthdate in order to enlist. At 17, he was aboard the USS Tide, a minesweeper that cleared Normandy waters for two days before and during the D-Day invasion. He was injured when the ship struck a mine, earning a purple heart. At 18, on a ship in the Pacific, he happened to look up just as the U.S. Flag was being raised on Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima. True to his modesty, he never shared these stories with his family until late in life. Following the war, he graduated from Savannah High School in Savannah, Ga. Delmas spent a long career in building supply sales, first with National Gypsum Company and then with Carolina Builders Corporation. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Greensboro, active in the youth department and a faithful leader on mission trips. A loyal Duke Blue Devils fan, Delmas was known for his delightful smile, his servant's heart, his unwavering work ethic and his humble spirit.
Delmas is survived by two sons, James Delmas Bearden, Jr. (Pam) of Greensboro, N.C., and Robert Alan Bearden (Donna) of Burlington, N.C.; a brother, Dean Bearden (Mary) of Brandon, Miss.; four grandchildren, Melissa Bearden of Greensboro, N.C., Tyler Bearden (Collin) of Wilmington, N.C., Claire Bearden of The Bronx, N.Y., and Anna Bearden of Boone, N.C.; and two great-grandchildren, Lake and Isla Bearden of Wilmington, N.C.
The family would like to thank Karen Evans and the staff at The Harbor at Twin Lakes (adult memory care day program) for five years of compassionate service to Delmas. We also extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the tender care he received on the third floor of Twin Lakes
Coble Creek Healthcare during the past three months.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at Hillcrest Abbey East Cemetery in Savannah, Ga. A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2018, at First Baptist Church in Greensboro, N.C., with the family receiving friends at the church
following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Harbor Adult Day Program at Twin Lakes, 3810 Heritage Dr., Burlington, NC 27215 or to First Baptist Church, 1000 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro, NC 27401.
Online condolences may be offered at www.lowefuneralhome.com.

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