Benny Roger Bradford
Benny Roger Bradford, 72, a native of Alpharetta, GA, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend; whistler and singer of hymns; and life long avid fiddle player, died at 2:31 pm June 15, 2007 surrounded by his loved ones at the Bradford family home in Sterling, VA.
Born May 30, 1935 in Fulton County, GA, he was the son of the late Tom and Rosa Etta (nee: Childers) Bradford. He was the epitome of the American success story, having raised himself from humble beginnings to achieve the high business goals and Christian ideals he set for himself. In true entrepreneurial spirit, he opened Bradford’s Carpet Service, Inc. in Chamblee, GA, a business he ran with his wife and life partner, Augusta, for over twenty-five years. Through this successful business, coupled with his Methodist religion and his Masonic oaths, he taught his family the virtue of hard work and fair play. He feared God and set an outstanding example to all of the lives he touched.
Kindness was at the core of his being. Benny Roger Bradford was an example of the kind of person God had in mind when he created humans. He was honest and reliable, with a keen wisdom that struck a rare balance between na veté and cynicism. Benny was a person you could trust to give you advice for your own benefit, rather than for his own. He acted not out of fear, nor out of the desire to make a good impression, but out of a strong inner conviction of who he was and for what principles he stood.
Benny was not a saint, nor was he a perfect person. He was a man from whom all falsehood, all selfishness, all vindictiveness were removed through his belief in Christ, so that only his pure, God-given self remained. Benny is now whole and at one with God. He will remain the cornerstone of his family’s structure as he set a good example for younger generations to follow. His wisdom, optimism, and sharp sense of humor will be sorely missed.
Benny Roger Bradford was a member of the Masonic Lodge 444 F&AM and the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 362 of Chamblee, GA and the Yaarab Shrine Temple in Atlanta, GA.
His survivors include his wife of nearly 53 years, Augusta Norman Bradford of Sterling, VA; his daughter Patricia Lane Bradford of Atlanta, GA; his son Barron Roger Bradford and his son’s fiancée Miss Belle Devaney of Sterling, VA; his granddaughter Lacy Elizabeth Bradford of Reston, VA; his grandsons Erik Ryan Bradford of Sterling, VA and Kyle Benjamin Bradford of Corvallis, OR; his brothers Charles Bradford of Norcross, GA, and Olin Bradford of Loganville, GA, as well as many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends throughout the country.
Rev. Claude E. Smithmier will preside over the Masonic Memorial service to be held at the Bill Head Funeral Home in Duluth, GA on Saturday, June 23, 2007. Family will welcome visitors starting at 11 a.m. with the service starting at 1 p.m. Also, Rev. Smithmier will officiate at the graveside service, at the Concord United Methodist Church in Elberton, GA on Sunday afternoon, June 24, 2007. The time will be announced at the memorial service.
Benny Roger Bradford loved children and, according to his wishes, in lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, care of the Yaarab Shrine, 400 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308.
Copyright 2010-2011 by Edna Strickland