Robert Joseph Bedford, 68, a lifelong resident of Harrison County, died unexpectedly Wednesday, May 24. He was the son of Anna Sue Bedford and the late William Purdy Bedford, Sr.

For Bob farming was more than a means of income; it was a passion. He was devoted to improving farming techniques not only for himself, but also for the larger farming community. He was one of the first farmers in the county to use a computer for farming. Looking to the future, he began a business of starting tobacco plants not in a traditional fire prepared bed but by hydroponic means. He saw the end of tobacco subsidies on the way and began a successful nursery business.

Because of his forward-looking ideas, Bob was selected as a participant in two leadership programs sponsored by the University of Kentucky – the Phillip Morris Agricultural Leadership Development Program and the Kentucky Entrepreneurial Coaches Institute Fellowship.

The Cynthiana-Harrison County Chamber of Commerce named him Farmer of the Year in 2002. In 2003, he was chosen as a national finalist in the Farm Bureau Idea Exchange for developing a pamphlet that listed commodities available in the county and where they are located.

In 2016, he received the Soil Conservation Outstanding Cooperator Award. Over the years, he received numerous other awards and recognitions for his activities and inspiration.

Bob served on the Kentucky Coop Extension Service State Advisory Council, the Harrison County Agriculture Development Board, and was president of the Harrison County Farm Bureau Board.

Bob was also preceded in death by his wife Betty Jean Bowman.

In addition to his mother he is survived by his wife Judy McGinnis Bedford, a daughter Jennifer (Kurt) Burgan a son Joey (Stephanie) Bedford and a brother William Purdy Bedford, Jr. of Atlanta. The pride and joy of his life were his grandchildren – Sara Ann Ledford, Laura Beth Ledford, Anna Burgan, Ashley Gerstein, Trenton Gerstein, and Nathaniel Bedford.

Visitation will be at Drake-Whaley-McCarty Funeral Home on Saturday, May 27 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The funeral will be Sunday, May 28 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Douglass Gilbert presiding. Burial will be private.

Honorary pallbearers are Joe Mike McDaniel, Dunny Darnell, Tom Zack Evans, Nick Farmer, William Fritz, and Lowell Clifford.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of ones choice.

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