Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Dr. Alan Kent Bickford
1946 - 2021
Dr. Alan Kent Bickford
1946 - 2021
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1946
DIED
2021
Alan Bickford Obituary
April 11, 1946 - January 28, 2021
Atlanta, Georgia - Dr. Alan Kent Bickford, a much loved retired English Professor at Middle Georgia State, died on Thursday, January 28, 2021, of complications from leukemia. He was 74.
Alan came to Macon in 1972 to teach at what was then Macon Junior College. He had earned his B.A. at Franklin College in Indiana, then enlisted in the U.S. Army before going on to PennState for his M.A.
In 1985 he received his Ph.D at Georgia State in Atlanta. He retired from MGSU in 2005 but continued to teach part time for several years.
Alan was known for his caring, fun-loving and generous character. He freely donated his support and enthusiasm to MGSU projects in addition to his teaching. He was very active in supporting the Back Pack Ministry at his church, Forest Hills United Methodist, which supplied much needed food for hungry kids. For many years he volunteered his time working with United in Pink, the cancer survivor group in Macon.
Dr. Bickford was born in Framingham, Massachusetts, in 1946 to Leonard W. And Elizabeth Kent Bickford. Alan was pre-deceased by his wife, Dr.Evelyn Toler Bickford, and his wife, Denise Pitts Bickford.
Alan is survived by his brother, Richard (wife Margaret) of Greenville, NH, a niece, Kate Bickford of Brooklyn, NY, and his beloved friend Glenda Wagner of Macon.
A graveside service in honor of Alan will take place in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery on Tuesday, February 2nd ,2021, at 2:00pm and will be presided over by the Reverend Dr. Baxter Hurley of the Forest Hill United Methodist Church. Services will be livestreamed, available at www.facebook.com/MaconMemorialPark
Donations in Alan's memory will gladly be accepted by the Back Pack Ministry (foresthillsmacon.com) or the United in Pink group (unitedinpink.org).
Visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.
Arrangements entrusted to Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Joe Popson
February 4, 2021
Alan was a good friend and coworker for my entire career at the college. He was able to make our time together happy and productive. The students enjoyed his classes, and I certainly had a wonderful time discussing classes, students we both taught, colleagues, books and movies, and the many changes we were a part of. I will miss him and remember his cheerful laugh always.
Lorraine Pearsall Fox
February 4, 2021
Alan was a colleague at Macon State for many years, with his office across from mine. We enjoyed many good conversations, and he always had me laughing with his witticisms. Condolences to his family and many friends. Rest in peace, Alan, and Godspeed.
PAULA HAMMOCK
February 3, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
John & Trish Dunaway
February 1, 2021
Alan was a true student of the Bible. Trish enjoyed conversations with him as they delivered food for the church's backpack ministry, feeding hungry children. We pray for all those who loved him as they deal with this loss. I regret that he didn't have a longer retirement to enjoy, but I know he is supremely happy with his Savior in glory.
Tyler Wood
January 30, 2021
I enjoyed Dr. Bickford’s class while attending Macon Jr. College. We were very fortunate to have him as our professor. He was an excellent teacher and challenged his students. He will be missed.
nan cleveland
January 30, 2021
i was a student under both DR. EVELYN AND ALAN BICKFORD AT MACON,JR. COLLEGE. when they began there.. they were wonderful.... i have really fond memories. they had great rapport with all the students. their names brings smiles to our faces...
Janice Edens
January 30, 2021
Alan was a colleague and a friend for almost 45 years. I can hardly believe he's gone. I'll miss seeing him. My sympathy to Ricard and all Alan's friends and other relatives.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
3969 Mercer University Drive, Macon, GA 31204
Make a Donation
in Alan Bickford's name
How to support Alan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Alan Bickford's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
