William Bradford

William Bradford Mr. Bradford, 63, of Charlotte, NC, completed his journey on earth on Saturday, August 24, 2013, after battling a long illness. He was born September 11, 1949, in Syracuse, NY, the fourth of seven children, to the late Clifford and Ruby Bradford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Winfred and Henry Bradford. William was a proud member of the Seven Day Adventist Church. He attended schools in Auburn, AL and Syracuse, NY. He served his country in the Army Reserve, and for 20 years he worked at the R.E. Dietz Company, a major player in the automotive lighting industry. William had a great interest in cars and he later moved to Cleveland, OH where he received his ASE certification in auto mechanics. A hard and steady worker throughout his life, William then became a long haul truck driver, continuing in this work for fifteen years, even through the early stages of his illness. William enjoyed singing, music, fishing, bowling, barbecuing, and spending time with family and friends. He was a man of many moods, and a comedian. He was truly one of a kind. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Christopher William and wife, Melinda Bradford, of Ocala, FL, Brian Bradford, and Patrick Bradford of Utica, NY; daughters, Joyce Matthews and husband, William, Theresa Bradford of Charlotte, NC; one brother, Charles Bradford of Chicago, IL; three sisters, Minnie Bradford and Deborah Sims of Chicago, IL, and Annie Richardson and husband, Gordon, of Auburn, AL; 14 grandchildren; his adoptive parents, John and Jennie Miller; his truck driving sisters, Vilanda Fletcher of Texas, Carla Austin and Rita Jamison of Virginia and Rubye Ross of Cleveland OH; a loving, caring, neighbor, Sharie Maree of North Carolina; special friends, Urip Siti Khonifah of Indonesia, and the Carters, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special thanks from William's family to his wonderful Hospice Care Team. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 31, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Hankins & Whittington, 1111 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be sent to 2406 N. Pine Ave., Ocala, FL 34475, if possible.