Tony L. Bearden, 56, of Gainesville passed away Friday May 20, 2016 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following a short illness. Born May 5, 1960, Tony grew up in Dawson County before moving to Hall County 23 years ago. He was a 1977 graduate of Dawson County High School. For the past 22 years he has worked as an automobile technician for Jim Hardman Buick GMC. Tony enjoyed camping and cooking barbecue for his family, friends and neighbors. He was of the Methodist faith and was preceded in death by his father, J. V. “Pee Wee” Bearden, and a brother, Johnny David Bearden. Surviving are his mother, Rudene Bearden, Dawsonville; nieces, Kristy Moore and her husband Eric, Brandi Turner and her husband Matthew; great nieces, Reese Moore, Kylie Turner; great nephews, AJ Moore, Kaleb Turner; uncle, Larry Jett and his wife Beverly; aunt, Velvie Davis; and a number of other relatives. Funeral services will be held Sunday May 22, 2016 at 3 o’clock at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Phil DeMore and Rev. Calvin Ward will officiate. Interment will follow in the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 5:30 until 9 and Sunday from 11 until 3 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 1751 Wesley Chapel Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533. Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com. Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.