John L. Beardsley, age 100, of Bardwell, died January 29, 2018 at Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah, KY. In 1949 John L., along with his brother Cecil, started his career as a car dealer by opening Beardsley Chevrolet dealership in Bardwell, Ky. During that time they were recognized as the biggest Chevrolet dealer between St. Louis, Mo. and Memphis Tn. In 1971 he and his family moved to Orlando, Fl. and started a new career by opening Honest Johns Grocery which he operated for several years. In 1976 he moved back to Carlisle County and opened Honest Johns Auto, where he sold cars until his retirement. John L. was blessed to live long enough to see five generations of his family twice, which is considered very rare to happen in one’s life. He owned and operated the Bardwell Drive-Inn, he served on the Bardwell City Council for many years, he was a member of the Bardwell Lions Club and a honorary member of the Bardwell V.F.W., a Kentucky Colonel and a Member of Bardwell Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Elsie Mae Beardsley of Bardwell, Ky.; three daughters, Joyce Burgess and husband Joe of Bardwell, Ky., Judy Wollas and husband George of Franklin, Tn., Melissa Blackwell and husband Richard of Cunningham, KY.; two sons, Don Beardsley and wife Sandy of Bardwell, Ky. and Dale Beardsley of East Palatka, Fl.; one sister, Florene Ballard of Wickliffe, Ky.; nine grandchildren, Kim Hickerson and husband Todd of Bardwell, Ky., Eric Beardsley, Brandon Beardsley and wife Lauren all of St. Augustine, Fl., Ashlea Hogancamp and Husband Matt of Franklin, Tn., Hailey Blackwell of Paducah, Ky. and Allison Blackwell of Cunningham, Ky., Mike Mantle and wife Jackie of Bardwell, Ky., Julie Woods and husband Max of Hickory, Ky. and Lisa Adams and husband Joey of Bardwell, Ky.; thirteen great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Lillie Dennis Dawson Beardsley; one granddaughter, Lesia Thomason; and two brothers, Cecil and Bill Beardsley.
Funeral services for John L. Beardsley will be held at 11:00 am Friday, February 2, 2018 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell. Bro. Rodney Bice will officiate with burial to follow in Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell. Expression of sympathy can be made to the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center, 1530 Lone Oak Rd., Paducah, Ky. 42003. You may leave a message of sympathy for the family or light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com.
