Douglas Bearden Email and Phone Number

Raised in the community of Reno, Georgia (30 miles north of Tallahassee, FL. Mother was a paralegal for Cain and Smith, Father was a Funeral director and then a automotive parts manager. Grew up on a farm, first job in the tobacco fields. First real job was with C E Holton Grocery in Reno, 6 days a week 5:30 am to 8:00 pm summers. Started school at Reno, graduated from Cairo High School, went to Thomas Tech and received diploma in Electronics. At 15 became an apprentice projectionist at local theatre. Worked for a time at the theatre and a television radio repair shop. Got married. Joined U S Navy, boot camp in Orlando, FL, Class A Communications School in Pensacola, FL. Was assigned to the Defense Special Missile and Astronautics Center (DEFSMAC) at the National Security Agency at Ft Meade, MD. Started out on shift work, got in good with a Lt. Colonel and went to straight days as an intelligence analyst with a Top Secret Clearance. Had a daughter while in the Navy. Was discharged, came back to Cairo and reopened the closed theatre, and later on took over the Cairo Drive In Theatre. Drive in property was sold in 1984 for a Walmart. Operated Theatre for 27 years and then donated it to the Community Foundation of SW Georgia, a non profit that has been able to obtain grants and funds for restoration. Still in operation and I am still the film buyer. In 1992 ran for the vacant office of Chief Magistrate with 2 more contenders. First election ended in a runoff, 2nd election ended in a tie, 3 election I won by 43 votes. Was elected five more times, once with opposition. Have 2 grandchildren, both in college. Granddaughter is studying land management as is an intern with the Florida Wildlife Commission. Grandson is studying Physical Therapy in Florida Atlanta University. I am also a licensed apprentice Funeral Director/Embalmer (because my paternal side of the family were funeral directors).