Harry Stone Bedford

Harry Stone Bedford, Jr, 90, of Lakeland, Florida, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 31, 2026 at Good Shepherd Hospice House. Harry spent a life defined by hard work, devotion to his family and deep faith in Christ. Harry was born on February 10, 1936, on his grandfather’s farm in Moore County, Tennessee.

Harry attended Tri-State University (now Trine), Western Michigan University and the University of South Florida. He obtained an ECI degree (Engineering for Civil infrastructure). While attending college, Harry worked as a mason for his uncle’s construction company.

After completing college, Harry worked as a NASA subcontractor for Honeywell. After which time, Harry was a flight system engineer at ECI (Electronic Communications, Inc., in St. Petersburg). There Harry was on the team that developed the flight control system and navigation programming for the Saturn V rocket. After moving to Lakeland, Harry served as Director of Information Services at the Polk County School Board, retiring after 25 years.

Harry was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, along with his wife, Rachel. He was also a member of the Jaycees and the Lakeland Runners Club. He was an avid runner for many years and ran 5 marathons; The Cape Cod, The Twin Cities, The Gasparilla, Disney, and Las Vegas. He loved Florida State Football and enjoyed attending numerous games with his family. Harry loved to play bridge, video games and practical jokes throughout the years. After retiring, Harry and Rachel enjoyed many years traveling in their RV visiting national parks and sights from as far as the east coast to the west.

Harry is survived by his loving wife, Rachel, of 69 years, their three sons Harry III and Susan (Harry IV and Brittany), Robert and Debbie (and his children with Lisa: Lauren, Allison and Robert Jr.) and Bryan and Maria (Hunter, Elaina, Olivia, Logan, Jacob, Peter, Amelia, Isabella and Gianna) and 10 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers David DeRossett (Susie-deceased) and Terry Tobias (Jeanne). Harry also was the proud companion of three kitties-Pixie, Angelica and Snuggles.

He was preceded in death by their sweet daughter, Teresa Ann (age 3), parents Velma Jean (Peggy) Tobias and Harry Stone Bedford Sr.

Services will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4450 Harden Blvd., Lakeland. Viewing will be at 10am with the funeral to follow at 11am. Christian burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Petersburg.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Harry at St. Paul Lutheran Church.