Charles Bearden, Jr. Obituary

Charles Leslie Bearden, Jr, 74, passed away on July 11, 2025, in Altamont, Tennessee. A man of deep compassion and unwavering dedication, Charles devoted his life to the service of others-first as a pioneering surgical Physician Assistant and later as a leader in the field of organ donation and transplantation.

Born on May 15, 1951, in Atlanta, Georgia, Charles was part of the inaugural graduating class of Physician Assistants from Emory University in 1973, and was board certified in both Primary Care and Surgery. Prior to PA school, he worked as a Cardiovascular Technician at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta and trained under Dr. J Willis Hurst. Dr Hurst encouraged him to apply to the new PA program. He graduated as class Vice-President. His early commitment to medicine laid the foundation for a remarkable career that spanned more than five decades. As a surgical PA and later as a donation and transplantation professional, Charles guided grieving families through some of their most difficult moments, helping them find solace in the gift of life. Through his tireless efforts, countless lives were saved or transformed by organ transplantation-a legacy that will endure for generations.

As an Organ Recovery and Transplant Coordinator for 48 years, Charles was a board-Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator (CPTC) by the American Board of Transplant Certification, for 37 years since it began in 1988. He was the longest serving Organ Transplant Coordinator in the U.S. In 1978, he co-founded the organ bank in Atlanta as Clinical Director, spending 10 years there before starting the organ bank in Chattanooga. He served his "retirement years" working for Clinical Consulting Associates as a Traveling Organ Recovery Coordinator with 66 assignments in 22 cities for 9 organ procurement organizations all over the United States and as a Virtual Transplant Coordinator, matching organs via the national organ sharing network to patients at our client transplant programs. He was a Senior Transplant Coordinator and a Member of the Advisory Board of CCA.

Charles's contributions to the medical community were widely recognized. He was a member of the Organize.org Advisory Board since 2014 and was a participant in the 2016 White House Summit on Organ Donation and Transplantation. Charles received the Outstanding Civilian Physician Assistant of the Year by the American Academy of Physician Assistants, "For his concern, caring, and devotion towards patients, profession, and country his commitment is our profession's future."

From 2020 to 2022 he served on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine Consensus Study Committee, publishing the report "Realizing the Promise of Equity in the Organ Transplantation System". In December 2021, he delivered the Emory PA Program's 50th Anniversary Commencement address and was inducted by the Emory University PA Program into the National Honor Society for Physician Assistants, Pi Alpha. In 2024, he was inducted into the Society of Corpus Cordis Aureum (Society of the Golden Heart), which honors alumni who graduated fifty or more years prior.

Beyond his professional achievements, Charles was a man of many passions. He had an artist's eye and a deep appreciation for nature, which he expressed through photography. From sweeping coastal vistas at Point Reyes to quiet moments captured at his final home at Paul's Point, Charles shared his vision generously with family and friends. His photography not only documented beauty but also served as a bridge to connection-he even wooed his beloved wife Dana Elkins through his images.

A devoted historian, Charles curated extensive collections related to the American Civil War, Physician Assistant history, and organ donation and transplantation. His fascination with Civil War history was rooted in personal heritage: he was a descendant of Brigadier General Clement Anselm Evans of the Confederate Army. General Evans commanded infantry under General Robert E. Lee in the Eastern Theater and later became an itinerant preacher dedicated to reconciliation between North and South-a legacy that deeply resonated with Charles. A portrait of General Evans hangs in the Georgia State Capitol.

Charles also served with distinction as Commander of the Southeast Commandery for the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem. His leadership reflected his lifelong commitment to service and humanitarian values.

He is survived by his wife Dana Elkins; sisters Susan Bearden Jones and Patricia Bearden Chamberlain; nephew James Demarest; niece Kate Demarest; and great-nephew Luke Demarest.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles Leslie Bearden Sr. and Graeme Strouss; brother John Bearden; uncle Jack W. Strouss-a World War II veteran; and nephew Jackson Demarest.

Charles's life was one marked by purpose, generosity, and enduring impact. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to all who continue the work he so passionately championed.

His family would like to express gratitude to Gentiva Hospice for their care and support. Memorial plans will be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Beersheba Springs Medical Clinic – a free clinic serving the underprivileged in Grundy County. Both Charles and Dana have served on their board. https://beershebaclinic.org 931-692-2229.