Billy Ray Bradford, age 80, passed away peacefully on June 22nd, 2020, at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, Illinois. He was born on December 16th, 1939, in Mount Vernon, Illinois to Lester “Leck” and Norma Ruth Bradford. He was a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his brothers Jim Bradford and wife, Sharon, Roy Dean Bradford and wife Barbara, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins; his children, Billy Ray Bradford, Jr., Patti Jo and Brad Thornhill, Lisa Bradford, Lori Curless, Jodi and Todd Story, Anita Bradford and fiancé Owen Buchanon; his grandchildren, Kelly and Steven Scott, Audrey and Chad Wilkins, Ravyn Olin, Dallas Bradford, Kelly Curless, Kyle Curless, Michael Lane, Ciara Story, Lindsey Bradford, Aaron Bradford, Daron Bradford, many great-grandchildren; and many close friends including, Kevin Gatewood, Bob and Alice Edwards, Larry Grief, and Wanda Myers . Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Bradford; his sister, Ruth Ann Lee, sister-in-law, Glenda Bradford; daughter-in-law, Carol Bradford; two grandchildren, Toby Jo Bradford and Andrea Dawn Bradford; one great-grandchild, Lavella Jaylin Phyfiher; and good friend Danny Ralph Browning.
Billy Ray, always smiling, laughing, and joking, brought tremendous happiness to all in his presence. He demonstrated expert marksmanship and loved his gun collection, enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing, and spending time with friends and family. He served in the United States Army National Guard and was an active member in numerous organizations. He worked for Good Samaritan Hospital in Plant Operations for 32 years. He was such a great and kind-hearted man; the joy he brought to family and countless friends can never be measured. Words cannot describe, nor will time allow, a true description of his impact on others, how much we loved him, and how dearly he will be missed by ALL who knew him.
On Friday, July 10th, at 4:00 p.m., family and friends are invited to join or follow a motorcycle procession from Mt. Vernon City Park to Sursa Cemetary in Mount Vernon, Illinois. There, Reverend Tim Reynolds will officiate a Graveside Service for him at 4:15 p.m. that will be followed by a Celebration of Life at A Pocket Full of Sunshine in Mount Vernon, IL from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Flowers may be sent to Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, IL and memorials may be presented to the Braford family, c/o Billy Bradford, Jr. All friends and family are welcome and encouraged to come and pay respects to our dear Dad, Brother, Papa, and Friend, Billy Ray Bradford.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.