Reflections of His Life
Joe Ray Bradford Jr., son of Joe Bradford Sr. and Vernell Bradford, was born on November 2, 1951, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was the firstborn of six children.
At an early age, Joe professed his faith in Jesus Christ at Mary Thompson Baptist Church in Hosston, LA. He attended Pine Valley Elementary School in Louisiana for seven years. The family moved to Tollette, Arkansas, where he completed his education and graduated from Howard County Training School in Tollette, AR.
Joe entered the workforce at Case Knife Factory in Nashville, AR. He was united in holy matrimony to Margaret Ann Brown, and this union was blessed with two sons: Rhupert Ray Bradford and Joe Rayford Bradford.
Joe also worked at Tyson Foods in Nashville, AR, until his retirement. He was united in marriage to Karen “Porkchop” Bradford, and through this union, he welcomed two stepsons, Joseph Wilson and Jason Wilson. Joe loved spending time with his family and friends.
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the Lord called him home at the age of 74. He lived to see four generations before entering eternal rest in Texarkana, Texas. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Bradford Sr. and Vernell Fletcher; and his wives, Margaret Brown and Karen Bradford.
Joe leaves to cherish precious memories: two sons, Rhupert and Joe Bradford; two stepsons, Joseph and Jason Wilson; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother, James B. Bradford (Norma); three sisters, Kathy Keels, Sharon Hamilton, and Edna Hendrix; two uncles, James Porter (Jewel) and George Porter; one aunt, Dorothy Walker; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
PUBLIC VISITATION:
Friday, May 8, 2026 at 3-5 PM
M & H Memorial Chapel
411 S. Walnut St. | Hope, AR
HOMEGOING CELEBRATION:
.Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11:30 AM
First Church of God Tollette
1080 Martin Luther King Dr. | Mineral Springs, AR
FINAL RESTING PLACE: Crofton Cemetery | Tollette, AR
