Randy Dwight Bradford, a man whose life was a testament to his servant’s heart, passed away on September 24, 2025, at the age of 73. A lifelong resident of Fayetteville, Randy’s unwavering commitment to his community and family defined his existence.
Born on December 17, 1951, in Lincoln County, Tennessee, Randy was the son of the late James Everett and Clara Mae Newton Bradford. He was a proud graduate of Huntland High School and later earned an Associate’s degree from Vincennes University.
For 37 years, Randy served his country in the Tennessee National Guard including a tour in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His dedication to others extended to his community as a volunteer with the Fayetteville Police Reserves. His professional life also included a role in the engineering lab at Goodman Manufacturing. Following his retirement, Randy’s focus shifted entirely to the people he loved most. He was a long-time member of the Park City Baptist Church, where he served on the personnel and budget committees and as a deacon. His steadfast commitment to public service was also evident in his service of almost three decades as a district four county commissioner.
Randy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marsha Bradford; his sons, Ken (Erica) Bradford, Jeremy Bradford, and Jarrod (Mandy) Bradford; and his nine cherished grandchildren: Tyler Wright, Jacob Bradford, Isaac Wheeler, Hayden Bradford, Emma Bradford, Lily Bradford, Megan Bradford, Everett Bradford, and Olivia Bradford. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Mevis Swinford, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his eight siblings, Harold Bradford, James Bradford, John Bradford, Wilburn Bradford, Hollis Bradford, Joe Bradford, Minnie Ruth Moorehead, and Judy Hall; his father-in-law, Kenneth Swinford; his sisters-in-law, Cyndi (Alan) Garrison and Donna (Larry) Otinger; and his aunt, Karen Gardner.
Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Don Russell officiating. Burial will follow in Stewart Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Monday from 12 P.M. until time of the service.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Elk River Health and Nursing Center in Ardmore, Tennessee.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516; The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741; or Stop Soldier Suicide, P.O. Box 110605, Durham, NC 27709.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Randy Dwight Bradford.
