Mr. Bodaford protected our country by serving in the United States Marine Corps. He served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He once played dead for eight hours, wounded, and completely buried by snow behind enemy lines during the Korean winter of 1950. In addition to his time in Korean and Vietnam, 1st Sgt. Bodaford worked long strenuous hours as a drill instructor on the Paris Island grinder and recruited Marines in Illinois. During his service, he was awarded two Purple Hearts for wounds received in Korea and Vietnam. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Sgt. Bodaford was also a talented musician and during his time in service, his musical talents did not stay hidden. Dubbed the “Singing Marine”, Sgt. Bodaford often entertained fellow marines with his songwriting and singing. He entertained audiences throughout the United States for well over a decade. He devoted much of his time and talent raising money for charity. His performances netted well over a million dollars for charities such as the Heart Fund, cancer foundations, and underprivileged children. In 1955, he appeared on an Ed Sullivan television program featuring all Navy and Marine Corp entertainers. At the Paris Island base, he organized the “Paris Island Ramblers”, and extremely successful musical group that had weekly television shows. He also organized another group called “Bill Bodaford and the Rockets”, which recorded two of his original compositions, “Teardrops” and “Little Girl”.
Sgt. Bodaford is preceded in death by his father, George Bodaford; and his mother, Maybell Bodaford. He is survived by his loving wife of seventy-two years, Billie Nell (Paul) Bodaford; and sons, Bob Bodaford (Frankie Burnett) and Tony Bodaford. Mr. Bodaford also leaves behind many extended family members and friends.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends on Thursday, October 24, in the Rachel Visitation Room at the Hermitage Funeral Home from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. A Celebration of Mr. Bodaford’s Life will begin at 2:00 PM in the Tulip Grove Chapel at the funeral home. Following the service, Mr. Bodaford will be laid to rest in the Garden of Memories Mausoleum at Hermitage Memorial Gardens. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Bodaford family at HermitageFH.com.
