Bernard E. Futch

When couples get married their greatest wish is to have a healthy baby boy or girl. Ezell and Ludena Ruff Futch were no different but they had no idea how much of a blessing the Lord would bestow upon them. On December 15, 1951 in Jacksonville Florida Mr. & Mrs. Futch’s wish was granted. A brilliant bright star was born, Bernard Ezell Futch. From the time Bernard came into the world until his death his spirit touched everyone. He never met a stranger. Everyone knew “Futch”. Coming from a Christian family, Bernard accepted Christ in his heart at a very young age. He was raised in and attended Day Springs Baptist Church for many years. Bernard attended Moncrief Elementary school, Northwestern Junior high, and was a proud graduate of William M. Raines class of 1970. While at Raines he was involved in many activities and because of his humorous nature he was elected most humorous of the class of 1970. While in high school Bernard sharpened his skills in the hotel service industry by becoming a master waiter. In those assignments he made and maintain many friends. Upon graduating high school, he entered the US Navy. While in the Navy he made friends and brought joy around the world. Once being discharged from the Navy, he attended Florida A&M University. Bernard later embarked on many careers during his lifetime. One of his most memorable was as a cameraman for WJXT in Jacksonville. In 1979 Lynnette McClain and Bernard’s friendship from high school was rekindled. They both had been to Atlanta and felt they could make a good life there. In 1981 they decided to take a leap of faith and move to Atlanta GA. In Atlanta Bernard again explored many industries from cable TV as a technician to 911 operator where he won an award for preventing more suicides than any other operators. During this time Bernard realized he had an entrepreneurial spirit so he started his own successful business. In true Bernard fashion he sold merchandise made more friends and was known throughout the metro area. In 1988 he and Lynnette decided to get married. From that marriage he would tell you came his proudest moment, the birth of his son, Bernard McClain Futch. Bernard and Lynnette made Atlanta their home for 42 years. Though Bernard loved Atlanta, he loved Jacksonville, the beach, his classmates, and friends in Jacksonville just as much. He would always say he had two homes. Bernard always told his family he wanted his final resting place to be his birth home. Bernard is preceded in death by his mother Ludena Futch (1980) and his father Ezell Futch (1996). He is survived by his wife Lynnette McClain Futch, son Bernard McClain Futch, granddaughter Bailey Marie Futch, his only sibling sister Gloria Yvonne Futch, mother-in-law Mrs. Anne B. Thompson, aunts Mrs. Camilla Peters and Mrs. Lanie Powell, cousins Terry Peters, Julie Peters, Deborah Colley, Lorna Stokes, Robin Maxam, Alfreda Williams, William Powell, Ice Powell, Sharon Davis, Andrea Davis-Andrew, Mildred Lowe Reynoles, lifelong friends Dwight and Cynthia Bowman as well as other cousins, nieces, nephews and many, many friends. Bernard leaves us with many fond memories. His is a life well lived. One where he gave us an unmeasurable amount of laughter, love, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Rest peacefully my love. Service entrusted to Gregroy B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory-South DeKalb 404.241.5656

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Bernard E. Futch

December 15, 1951 - March 19, 2023