William “Bud” Bradshaw, of Ferris, Texas, passed away on June 24, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. He will always be remembered as a loving son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, friend and colleague to all that knew and loved him. He was born on July 21, 1942, in Kleberg (Seagoville), Texas to Reverend William M. Bradshaw and Annie Laura (Conner) Bradshaw.
His strong work ethic emerged at the early age of 13, when he began working at a feed store and café in Rylie, Texas. He sold cantaloupes from a horse and cart and worked alongside his father in the plumbing trade; this path would later become his work legacy. He purchased his first home in 1961 and began building his family. He obtained his plumbing license in 1963, and by May of 1964, he was an apprentice and worked part time at a service station at night. He graduated from the UA Local 100 Apprenticeship Program in 1969. Work and provision were the measure of a man to Bud, and he lived that truth every day. His career spanned more than 60 years in the plumbing and pipe fitting trade, marked by integrity, character, and reputation for excellence.
Bud married Barbara Nell Chambers on January 17, 1958. Together, they welcomed three children: Leon in 1960, Kimberly in 1963, and Scott in 1969.
His love of music began early, as he would sing gospel with his siblings and playing the drums and guitar in church, a tune he carried on through his entire life.
Later in life, Bud married Gail Elizabeth Garner, and their marriage was a blessing that brought joy, companionship, and added family. Gail enriched his later years, and together they shared 14 years filled with love and devotion. They Attended Oak Hill Assembly and from its roots served faithfully at Faith Assembly in Seagoville, Texas. Bud and Gail loved and supported their friends and family through prayer and wisdom. It was a blessing to spend time with them.
Outside of work, Bud took great pride in fulfilling his dream of owning a small farm in Ferris, Texas. His cows and his dog Jake were a constant source of joy. He also realized two personal dreams on the farm: Ole’ Bud’s Country Store and his compressor business, ABJ, partnered with his brother Jim, and wife of 48 years, Barbara.
His grandchildren were one of his greatest joys, and he supported each of them wholeheartedly.
Bud is survived by his wife, Gail Elizabeth Bradshaw, of Ferris, Texas; his children, Robert Leon Bradshaw (Debra) of Carrollton, Texas; and Kimberly Sue Bradshaw Boswell (Randy) of Scurry, Texas.
His grandchildren include Jessica Marie Bradshaw Smith (Chad) of Forney; Barbara Nicole Bradshaw of Carrollton; Jonathan “Robby” Bradshaw (Rebekah) of Ferris; Jacob Daniel Washburn (Julie) of Crandall; Alex Marie Bradshaw Arredondo (Gerardo) of Palmer; William Gage Bradshaw (Nicole) of Madison, Alabama; and Kayden Scott Bradshaw of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Scurry, Texas.
Great grandchildren include Caitlyn; Taylor (Ethan); Dawson; Payton; Mary; Lily; Cash; Levi; Isaiah; Luna; Leo; Hattie; Weston; and his first Great-Great Grandson, Sawyer, arriving in October.
Bonus Children include Kimberly Garner (Billy); April Morton Garner; Amber Morton Garner; Jayden Garner; Aleigh Drake; Lathon; Koy; and Isaiah.
Siblings include James M. Bradshaw (Gail); Virginia R. Ware (Dale); Randy E. Bradshaw (Julie); and Andrew E. Bradshaw (Cathy).
He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews he was very proud of.
Bud was preceded in death by his father, Reverend William M. Bradshaw (2004); his mother, Annie Laura Connor Bradshaw (2010); his sister, Margaret Ann Bradshaw (2009); his grandson, Joshua A. Washburn (1989); his son, William Scott Bradshaw (2006); wife of 48 years, Barbara Nell Bradshaw (2006); and brother-in-love, Orlin Dale Ware (2014).
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on July 9, 2026, at Roselawn Funeral Home in Seagoville, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on July 10, 2026, in the Roselawn Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. A reception and lunch will be held afterward at Kaufman County Christian Center, 200 Fourth St., Kaufman, Texas 75142. For additional information, please call 903 352 3877.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to https://helphopelive.org/campaign/26566/ in honor of his grandson, Jacob Washburn awaiting a lung transplant or go to https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate
