William Knox Bradford

William Knox Bradford of Lenoir, NC died peacefully April 15 2014, two days before his ninety eighth birthday. Born April 17, 1916, Knox was the son of the late Robert K. and Catherine Smith Bradford. He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty eight years, Evelyn Alley Bradford, a son, Dennis Knox Bradford, a brother, Burley "Bud" Bradford, and two sisters, Mattie and Celia Bradford. As a child Knox was very creative, building a car from an old motor he found in a creek below his house. These skills served him well in the army during World War II where he worked as a truck mechanic. Knox was stationed in the Philippines and Okinawa and Hiroshima, Japan and witnessed firsthand the destruction caused by the atomic bombs. Knox worked for years for Kent Coffey Manufacturing then for Singer Furniture. He was a charter member of South Lenoir Baptist Church which later became College Avenue Baptist Church where he served in many areas of leadership. He also enjoyed his time as a member of the Lenoir Optimist Club. When Knox learned at eighty two that he would need bypass surgery for the second time, he told the doctor he expected it to last twenty years like the surgery at sixty two had. He became a dedicated walker which he still did weather permitting around his neighborhood circle. Even In his last days, Knox did not lose his sense of humor. Knox Bradford is survived by a son Gary Bradford and wife Caroline of Lenoir, NC, four grandchildren Claire Coffey of Charlotte, Courtney Hedrick of Kannapolis, Robert Bradford of Houston, Texas and Todd Bradford of Biloxi, Mississippi, and three great grandchildren, Drew and Will Hedrick and Knox Bradford. The service for Knox Bradford will be held Thursday, April 17, 2014 at 4:00 PM at Evans Funeral Service conducted by Reverend Charles Brawley, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be private. The family would like to extend their thanks to the many close friends who visited and kept in touch with Knox on a very regular basis. A special thanks to Janet and Tim Suter. Thanks also to the caregivers at Lenoir Healthcare Center. Memorials may be made to College Avenue Baptist Church, 1201 College Avenue, SW, Lenoir, NC 28645 or to one’s favorite charity. Online condolences may be sent to the Bradford Family at www.evansfuneralservice.com Evans Funeral Service & Crematory of Lenoir is serving the Bradford Family. PDF Printable Version