Ray Arnold Bradford

Funeral Services will be at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at Collier-Butler Chapel for Mr. Ray A. Bradford, 84, of Gadsden who passed away Saturday, September 20, 2014. The Revs. Richard Bradford and Rodney Gilmore will officiate. Burial will be at Crestwood Cemetery with Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services Directing.

Mr. Bradford was a deacon and very active member of Paden Baptist Church until his health would no longer allow. Dad was a member of the IBEW Local Electrical Union 136 for 65 years, a member of the Ed Christopher Memorial Lodge, where he served as past master and the Shriner’s Club in Birmingham. Dad served in the Navel Air Reserves in the early 50’s. He has been an excellent example of what a father, granddaddy and great granddaddy should be.

He was preceded in death by his only sweetheart of 61 years and the love of his life, Doris Robertson Bradford who died in 2012.

He is survived by his children, Randy (Debbie) Bradford, Gadsden, Denise Frachiseur, Gadsden, Mike (Madge) Bradford, Murfreesboro, TN, Richard Bradford, Gadsden, Teresa (Jeff) Phillips, Gadsden, 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, sister, Gail Inabinet, Trussville, brother, Don (Phyllis) Bradford, Gadsden, several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be grandchildren.

The family extends special thanks to the Gentiva Hospice staff RN’s, Latisha Preston, Kim Glass, Michelle Sumners, Pam Baker, Verline Hampton, Christie York and Angela Williamson; Aide Tina Amberson; Social Worker Penny Johnson; Chaplain Rodney Gilmore; Volunteer Coordinator Lisa Dobbins and Volunteers, Phyllis Gray and Alana Waters.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice , 3225 Rainbow Drive, Suite 256, Rainbow City, AL 35906.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until the hour of service Tuesday at the funeral home.