BEARDEN, WHEELER M.

Wheeler Monroe Bearden, 85, Crystal River, died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, at Cypress Cove Care Center in Crystal River.

Born Aug. 25, 1922, in Madison, Ga., to Isaac and Martha Jane Bearden, he came to this area 20 years ago from Macon, Ga.

Mr. Bearden was the retired owner and operator of three Shakey Pizza franchises in Macon and Warner Robins, Ga.

He was a U.S. Marine Corps World War II veteran.

He was an avid golfer, a past member of Seven Rivers Golf and Country Club, a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed traveling.

He was Methodist.

His first wife, Tennie Bearden, preceded him in death in 2002.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Jo Bearden of Americus, Ga.; daughter, Cynthia Hayslip and husband Bobby of Crystal River; and two grandsons, Brian Grady of Macon, Ga., and Andrew Hayslip of St. George, Utah.

Private cremation arrangements under the direction of Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.