James Milton Bradford, 78, Leighton, Ala., died Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012.
He was a devoted husband, brother and father who knew the value of hard work. He was born in Franklin County, Ala. He was a 1952 graduate of Mt. Hope High School. He worked at Stylon Tile for 18 years. He worked in construction and was a poultry and cattle farmer. He served as an elder at Hopewell Church of Christ and was currently a member of Spring Valley Church of Christ. He enjoyed bluegrass music, meeting with friends at Good Springs Senior Center and talking with family and friends. He was a self-employed farmer.
He was preceded in death by his father, Noah Webster Bradford; mother, Nancy Belle Edgar Bradford; wife, Ella Glen Ligon Bradford; brothers, Leroy Bradford, Thurman Bradford, Edward Bradford, Glenn Bradford; sisters, Corene Bradford and Thelma Bradford.
Survivors include wife, Eloise McConnell Bradford, Leighton; sons, Tim Bradford (Salina), Killen, Tommy Bradford (Karen), Muscle Shoals; daughters, Melanie Allen (Greg), Rogersville, Sarah Gentle (Chris), Hartselle; stepdaughter, Wanda Cole (Jerry), Anderson; grandsons, Matthew Bradford, Ben Bradford, Zach Allen, Brad Gentle, John Gentle, Jamy Cole; granddaughters, Rachel Simpson, Lauren Roberson, Betsy Looser, Bethany Bradford, Tiffany Allen, Mary Beth Gentle, Lorie Cole; great-grandchildren, Clarie Bradford, Libby Bradford, Will Looser, Logan Cole, Somer Shelton, Jack Boone, Chanda Odom, Abby McKee; brother, Alton Bradford, Moulton; sister, Marie Kennemer (Junior), Anderson.
Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, 6-8 p.m. at Lawrence Funeral Home, Moulton, Ala. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Sep. 1, 2012, at Spring Valley Church of Christ with Jeff Winters officiating. The body will lie in state noon-1 p.m. Interment will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens Saturday, Sep. 1, 2012, Tuscumbia, Ala. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Special thanks to Ronnie Caldwell, friend and farm employee, Heart Warming Care Staff, Kay Dunlap, Deborah Hester and Danielle Gasaway, and Hospice of the Tennessee Valley.
In lieu of flowers, send donations to Hospice of the Tennessee Valley.
Lawrence Funeral Home, Moulton, Ala., is directing.
