Charles Bradford

Charles Bradford departed this life on June 5, 2020 after an extended illness. He succumbed to cardiac arrest. He was born August 12, 1948 in Brooklyn, NY, at Kings County Hospital. Charles was one of eight children, born to Louise Hooks Bradford and Charley Bradford, who are both deceased. At an early age, he became a member of Zion Baptist Church. He was educated in the Brooklyn, NY school system and graduated from Erasmus High School. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. After leaving the military, with an honorable discharge, he began his career in corporate America. While working at New York Telephone Company, he met his future wife, Caroline Morris, and they married on March 4th, 1978. They relocated to Atlanta, GA in October 1981 and worked for BellSouth. During their spare time in Atlanta, they enjoyed traveling, movies and sports. Charles worked crossword puzzles, and he enjoyed music (especially Etta James, Kirk Franklin and the Family, and all Oldies), extensive reading, and watching Jeopardy. He also loved playing basketball and even refereed for several years. He would always comment “I could still play if my knees weren’t hurting.” Charles was a very smart person, but he would never let you know it. Charles also joined the Air Force Reserve at Dobbins Air Force Base and served for four years. He obtained an associate degree in Occupational Studies and a B.A. degree from National-Louis University. Known as “Junior” to his family and friends, he never complained and always had a smile. His personality was infectious, and he was very witty and humorous. He always had jokes. Charles leaves to cherish his precious memories: his loving wife of 42 years, Caroline Bradford; stepdaughter, Ursula Williamson; grandsons, Christopher and Kendall Williamson; sister, Shirley Johnson; brother, Leroy Bradford (Yvonne); brother-in-laws - James Peele, Sam Solomon, Roy Roberts, and Darnell Roberts; sister-in-laws, Sharon Bradford, Mari Roberts (Jasyn); Aunt, Cora Bradford; Aunt, Josephine Cooper (Freddie); Uncle, Joseph Hooks (Mae Frances); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Charles was proceeded in death by sisters, Mary Lou Peele, Ella Mae Solomon, and Deloris Bradford; brothers, James Bradford and Lucius Bradford; and aunts, Viola Fletcher and Mae Pearl McNeil.

Tributes

Charles Bradford

August 12, 1948 - June 5, 2020