Earnest Edward Bradford

Earnest Edward Bradford, 77, of Tucson, passed away February 15, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona. Earnest was born December 30, 1948, in Hobbs, New Mexico. He received his GED and later went on to get a Business Certification at Derm Business College.

Earnest met and married Betty Jean Govan on August 26, 1967. Earnest worked and had a career at the City of Tucson's Sanitation Department, Apache Barricade, and later learned appliance repair as a trade and launched that into successful self-employment. He was an appliance repairman for 25-plus years. Earnest had a passion for his family, education, and serving the Lord. He was also an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, so much so, he moved his family to Dallas, Texas, in the early '80s.

Earnest was preceded in death by John Henry Bradford (Father), Gladys Lewis (Mother), Cassandra Faye Bradford-(Daughter), Sonny Murray (Brother), Dorothy Mae Hicks (Sister), Goldie Moore (Sister), and John Henry Bradford Jr. (Brother).

Earnest is survived by Betty Jean Bradford (Wife), Ray Bernard Neals-Son (Vapor), Michele Denise Stewart-Daughter (Artie), Deborah Jean Renguul-Daughter (Odum), Lisa Rynette Truitt-Daughter (Ronnie), Steven Edward Bradford-Son, Taisha Kay Bradford-Daughter, Eric Ray Bradford-Son, Vincent Dee Bradford-Son, and Felisha Ann Bradford-Daughter.

Earnest also has 16 grandkids and 8 great-grandkids, to whom he is known as Papa.

We thank our father for instilling in us what it means to be a family, showing us the meaning of love, and teaching us to never give up on one another no matter the circumstances.

Thank you, Daddy, you will be greatly missed!

To honor our father’s wishes, there will be an intimate memorial service for family only.