George Martin Bradford

George M. Bradford, 96, of Fort Smith, died March 20, 2016 in Fort Smith. He was born January 16, 1920 in Shirley, AR to Edgar and Adell Hooten Bradford. He retired from Exxon Oil Company, having worked in distribution for 34 years. He is a Veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, current member of Grand Avenue Baptist Church of Fort Smith, former member of Second Baptist Church of Hot Springs and charter member of University Baptist Church of Fayetteville. George served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and worked with the bus ministry. George was an outstanding athlete who excelled at Baseball and Basketball. He was know by his fellow athletes as George "Red" Bradford. In addition to traveling, he loved golf and horseshoes. George always wanted to do everything with excellence. He will be remembered as a loving father and friend with an endearing smile.

He is survived by two daughters, Jan Taylor, and her husband John of Fort Smith, and Sharon Bradford of Fayetteville, AR; one sister, Mary Watts of Harrison, AR; two brothers, Bob Bradford of Fort Smith and Jack Bradford of Evans, GA; two grandchildren, Meredith Roberts, and husband Matt of Springfield, MO, and Laurel Taylor of Alexandria, VA; two great grandchildren, Eli and Zoe Roberts of Springfield, MO; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Lois Bradford.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, March 23, 2016 in the Grand Avenue Baptist Church with burial to follow in Liberty Cemetery in Greenwood, all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be David Bradford, Greg Bradford, Blake Hocott, Rod Hocott, Brian Keller, and Keith Smyth.

The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from 5-7 PM

Memorials may be made to the International Mission Board 3806 Monument Ave Box 6767 Richmond, VA 23230 (imb.org/giving) or Gideon International 6320 Carthage Fort Smith, AR 72903.