Mr. Mark Allen Bedard, 50

Autryville

Mr. Mark Allen Bedard of Autryville, North Carolina age 50, beloved husband, father, son, and brother passed away January 1, 2017. He was born outside of Detroit, Michigan. Mark graduated from Redan High School in Stone Mountain, GA. He was an avid sportsman who excelled at football, baseball and wrestling. He attended Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC, on a wrestling scholarship, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business. Throughout his career, he was in management for the Department of Revenue in Raleigh, NC; then managed a Firestone Store in Fayetteville, NC; until he followed his heart and went into business for himself with Mims Wildlife Damage Control, where he could do something he loved and have his two boys, Cole and Dakota be involved and enjoy the love of wildlife together. Mark was a devoted father who poured his heart into raising his two boys to be strong Christians who are loving, kind, self-sufficient, humble young men. He took them hunting, fishing and encouraged their love for the great outdoors. Mark brought home many an animal - from dogs, squirrels, racoons, and deer - and nursed many back to health to release them back into the wild. Also, Mark was a talented amateur chef who loved to cook for family and friends alongside his wife Cindy. The spicier the better and every meal concluded with a fabulous dessert. Mark shared his time and talents and truly exhibited, in his daily walk in life, of what it means to be a good neighbor and a man of God. He was involved and passionate about his church family at Long Branch Baptist Church. His giving spirit will be remembered by all who had the honor to know him. Mark is preceded in death by his mother, Susan Moynes Bedard of Lithonia, GA, and father in law, Roger Leon Jackson, Jr. of Stedman, NC. He is survived by his wife, Cindy Bedard: sons, Cole and Dakota of Autryville, NC; father & his wife, William P Jr. & Ruth Bedard of Covington, GA; sister and fiancé, Brooke Sides and Shane Upchurch of Jackson, GA; Brothers & sisters in law - Jeff Bedard of Waleska, GA and Tammy Bedard of Winder, GA; Barry and Gina Bedard of Covington, GA; Bill and Sandy Bedard of Warren, MI; mother in law, Sandra Faye Autry of Autryville, NC; Granny, Myrtle Autry of Autryville, NC; Aunt, Betty McGowan of Autryville, NC; cousin, Michelle McGowan of Stedman, NC; and nieces, Taylor, Amber, Gabby, Amanda, Stacey, Brandy, and Michelle. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 4, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Butler’s Funeral Home in Stedman, NC. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, January 5, at 4:00 PM at Long Branch Baptist Church in Autryville, NC with Pastor Ricky Spell and Reverend Larry Autry, Pastor of Autryville New Life Church of God will be officiating.

Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 6535 Clinton Road, Stedman.