Mr. Donnie Bradford Sr.

Donnie Bradford, Sr. who entered eternal rest September 7, 2024, was born May 15, 1947, in Humboldt, TN to the late Rev. Ben Bradford and the late Lillie M. Patterson Bradford. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a lifelong member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church (Humboldt, TN). He served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and worked with many auxiliaries. He attended Phillips School and graduated from Stigall High School (Humboldt, TN) in 1964. Donnie and Rose met in 1960 to a bond that lasted until his transition. After completing high school, he enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1965 and served during the Vietnam War. After an honorable discharge in 1968 from the Air Force, Donnie went to get his associates degree from Jackson State Community College. For over 40 years, he was employed at Eaton Axle (Dana) Corporation. While at Dana, he was instrumental with his fellow coworkers to start the Union for the Humboldt, TN location. Later in his life, Donnie graduated from American Baptist College (Jackson, TN location). He was united in holy matrimony to Rose Simmons Bradford on September 19, 1970. God blessed this union with two sons, Donnie M. Bradford and David J. Bradford. He was the father to his daughter Donneka Johnson. If you needed to find Donnie, look no further than Walmart, riding with his twin brother, appointments at the VA in Memphis, or on the lawn mower. He loved family reunions where he was often at the center of the group laughing, cutting up and telling history with his close-knit family. In his community, Donnie always had the spirit of giving and would lend a helping hand without being asked. He was a pillar of support for many and a cornerstone of the family and community. Donnie’s beloved grandchildren were one of his precious gems. DJ, Malcom, Myles, Maya, and Lauryn are the reasons Donnie was able to make memories that will last forever. To his children, Donnie was not one to lecture, he led by life lessons. He gave kindness to others and stood in the gap for those who needed his love and support. His devotion was shown in his marriage. He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Ben Braford, his mother Lillie M. Bradford; one brother, Johnnie Bradford; four sisters, Lillian Bradford, Bennie May Russell, Minnie L. Stewart, and Elsie Tyler. Those left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Rose Bradford; two sons, Donnie M. Bradford, David J. (Marqueshia) Bradford; one daughter, Donneka (Chris) Johnson; grandchildren, Donnie M. (DJ) Bradford, II, Malcolm David Bradford, Myles David Bradford, Maya Bradford, and Lauryn Bradford; three sisters, Willie Pearl Bradford, Barbara (Clisby) Smith, Doris M. Tender, all of Indianapolis, Indiana; two brothers, David (Ann) Bradford his twin, Gregory (Sue) Bradford both of Humboldt, TN; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Mr. Donnie Bradford Sr.

May 15, 1947 - September 7, 2024