 Bedford received his education at the University of Alabama, and his law degree from Cumberland School of Law, Samford University.He is a Rotarian, and belongs to the Alabama State Bar, the Cattlemen's Association, the National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, American Cancer Society, Executive member of the Boy Scouts of America, and the Greater Alabama Council.In 1996 Bedford was the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, but was defeated by Republican Jeff Sessions.