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 Broadford, Dr. 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-great children; 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.
Active pallbearers were Ahmad Turner, Reggie Anderson, JeMarcus Hendrix, Amar Hopkins, Stevie Lee, and Javen Johnson.
Honorary pallbearers Joe Bradford, Rhupert Bradford, James Porter, James Bradford, George Porter, and Artee Porter, Sr.
Funeral Services were May 9, 2026, at First Church of God in Tollette. Burial followed in Crofton Cemetery. Under the direction of McFadden & Hitchye Funeral Enterprises.