Knox Bradford

Richard Knox Bradford, 78, passed away peacefully January 25, 2025, surrounded by family and friends at his home in Royal, Arkansas. He was born, September 25, 1946, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas to Chrystal Jacobs and James Turner Bradford. Due to the passing of his mother, Knox moved to Pine Bluff in 1948 and was reared and educated by his aunt, Georgie Adine Bradford and uncle, Lev Hancock Goodrich. He graduated from Pine Bluff High School and attended Henderson State College in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Knox served in the United States Army and was awarded a Purple Heart and received a Combat Infantry Badge, during the Vietnam War along with other prestigious awards. He was the founding owner and President of Bradford Marine & ATV, Inc.

On May 23, 1969, he married his beloved wife and best friend, Patricia (Pat) Rector Bradford of Royal, Arkansas and returned to Pine Bluff, Arkansas where they began their legendary journey. In 1971, Knox was encouraged by his father-in-law to seek a profession that included passion and enjoyment. With this expert advice and the beginning of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, his love for boats would lead to the birth of Bradford Marine where you would “Look for the Boat in the Sky.” The mom and pop operation has grown over the past 54 years into a successful company across Arkansas and a corner of Texas. In 1986 he received the contract with Tracker Marine, which allowed Bradford Marine & ATV to move “The Business” to North Little Rock and expand to a total of six locations, including Little Rock, North Little Rock, Hot Springs, Springdale, Rogers and Texarkana, Texas. Knox was the Overall Number One TRACKER boat dealer for 26 years, the Sun TRACKER Top dealer for 24 Years, the TAHOE Top Dealer for 11 years and the TRACKER OFF ROAD Top Dealer for 3 years.

Always beginning his latest vision sketching his “simple” idea on a napkin, Knox constantly had the drive to build, create and expand. He made sure the bedroom count at the lake and farm was able to cover all family, friends and their friends. Doors were forever open with your place set at the dinner table for a wonderful steak dinner, many laughs and more stories than one can count. On a typical day at the lake you would find popcorn popping on the patio, surrounded by children ready to assist in the process, the margarita machine churning, a Red Cup, a handle of “Jim”, the smell of the grill, Knox’s Bloody Mary’s, singing and laughter from the pool, a slew of boats and the latest water toys, friends of all ages, dogs of all sizes and finally, Knox observing the organized chaos from under the umbrella, adorned with his hat, being cooled by the mister and a huge smile on his face. The rehabilitation of Pat’s family property in Royal, “the Farm” came to life in 2005 where Knox reached peak heights with his incredible one-of-a-kind, colorful vision and his love for construction. Across the property you will find eclectic décor, antique cars, multiple ponds, and individual cabins that he uniquely named. This soon became the place where Knox could release his creativity, bring his never-ending master designs to life, a place for gathering and fellowship and finally, where he laid his head to rest.

Knox is preceded in death by his parents, Chrystal and James Turner Bradford. His aunt, Georgie Adine Bradford and uncle, Lev Hancock Goodrich.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Pat Rector Bradford, his loving children Shannon Bradford Newell and spouse, Brian, of Woodstock, Georgia and Richard Lev Bradford. “Big Daddy” is also survived by his grandchildren: Chandler Ann Martin, Bradford William Martin, Ellyson Adine Bradford and Bo Jackson Bradford, his brother Jacobs (Jay) Turner Bradford of Hot Springs and sister, Sarah Adine Bradford of Dallas, Texas. Knox is also survived by a family of close loving friends that will miss his welcoming heart, his abundance of generosity, his distinguished laugh and his infectious impact that he will forever leave with all whom he met. In full Knox style, always remember . . . SELL SELL SELL!!!

The family will celebrate the life of Knox Bradford on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at the Farm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests garden plants or trees to be planted in a special garden, in his honor. Also, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Garland County, 1321 AR-128, Lonsdale, AR 72087 or The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. #2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.