Randy Dwight Bradford, a man whose life was a testament to his servant’s heart, passed away on September 24, 2025, at the age of 73. A lifelong resident of Fayetteville, Randy’s unwavering commitment to his community and family defined his existence.
Born on December 17, 1951, in Lincoln County, Tennessee, Randy was the son of the late James Everett and Clara Mae Newton Bradford. He was a proud graduate of Huntland High School and later earned an Associate’s degree from Vincennes University.
For 37 years, Randy served his country in the Tennessee National Guard including a tour in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His dedication to others extended to his community as a volunteer with the Fayetteville Police Reserves. His professional life also included a role in the engineering lab at Goodman Manufacturing. Following his retirement, Randy’s focus shifted entirely to the people he loved most. He was a long-time member of the Park City Baptist Church, where he served on the personnel and budget committees and as a deacon. His steadfast commitment to public service was also evident in his service of almost three decades as a district four county commissioner.
Randy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marsha Bradford; his sons, Ken (Erica) Bradford, Jeremy Bradford, and Jarrod (Mandy) Bradford; and his nine cherished grandchildren: Tyler Wright, Jacob Bradford, Isaac Wheeler, Hayden Bradford, Emma Bradford, Lily Bradford, Megan Bradford, Everett Bradford, and Olivia Bradford. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Mevis Swinford, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his eight siblings, Harold Bradford, James Bradford, John Bradford, Wilburn Bradford, Hollis Bradford, Joe Bradford, Minnie Ruth Moorehead, and Judy Hall; his father-in-law, Kenneth Swinford; his sisters-in-law, Cyndi (Alan) Garrison and Donna (Larry) Otinger; and his aunt, Karen Gardner.
Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Don Russell officiating. Burial will follow in Stewart Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Monday from 12 P.M. until time of the service.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Elk River Health and Nursing Center in Ardmore, Tennessee.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516; The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741; or Stop Soldier Suicide, P.O. Box 110605, Durham, NC 27709.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Randy Dwight Bradford.
19 Comments To "1SG Randy Dwight Bradford, TN National Guard (Ret.)"
#1 Comment By Randy&DorothyTaylor On September 25, 2025 @ 6:00 pm
Marsha and family we are so sorry and sad for your loss of Randy’s passing our prayers are with your family
#2 Comment By Dana and Jimmy Sartain On September 25, 2025 @ 6:27 pm
Marsha and family we are so sorry for the passing of Randy. He was a dear friend and coworker. He always showed himself a friend to me by calling me sis. Praying for your family that God will fill your hearts with peace and comfort.
#3 Comment By CHERYL WICKS On September 25, 2025 @ 6:54 pm
A REAL “FINE” MAN
#4 Comment By Joe & DeLois O’Neal Thompson On September 25, 2025 @ 7:12 pm
Marsha and family,
My heart is broken for you all. I don’t have to tell you how wonderful Randy was. I know y’all will miss him dearly. Hold on to your memories near your heart. May God give you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
#5 Comment By Jeff Foreman On September 25, 2025 @ 7:32 pm
I worked with Randy for a good many years at Amana/Goodman. I had the honor of worrying about him while he was in Iraq and welcoming him home. He was a very good friend and he will be missed by many of us. Prayers for all his family.
#6 Comment By Carolyn Fortner On September 25, 2025 @ 7:39 pm
I am so sorry to hear of your passing my dear cousin, I always enjoyed our phone conversations about family and about the Bible. Marsha you and the family are in my Prayers, know i have always loved you and Randy and enjoyed the times we would get together to share a meal
#7 Comment By Katie Womack On September 25, 2025 @ 7:40 pm
God comfort the family during this very difficult time. 🙏❤️. May God wrap His arms around you all.
#8 Comment By Debbie Morris On September 25, 2025 @ 8:34 pm
I’ve known Randy since 1st grade. Also worked with him for years. He was such good person. Proud to call him my friend. Praying for all the family. 🙏🏻✝️
#9 Comment By William Hardy, SFC Ret On September 26, 2025 @ 7:29 am
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. 1st Sgt Randy Bradford and I shared a lot of memories during our tour in Iraq. We talked almost daily during that year. Every memory I have of him is a good warm memory. We spent hours redesigning his various office boards so he could keep track of his men. I am a better person for having known him.
#10 Comment By Marcella scott On September 26, 2025 @ 11:22 am
Marsha and family sending mjy condolences to the family. May god richly bless you all at this sad time
#11 Comment By Cheryl Hobbs On September 26, 2025 @ 11:41 am
Marsha and family, I am sorry to read about Randy’s passing. Please know you are in my prayers during this difficult time.
#12 Comment By Randall and Gayle Shelton On September 26, 2025 @ 12:48 pm
Marsha and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Know that God is always with you and will comfort you during this time
#13 Comment By Karen Gilliam and family On September 26, 2025 @ 9:20 pm
Marsha and family, our sincere condolences at the loss of your beloved Randy. May you be comforted by all the wonderful memories you shared with Randy. God Bless you all.
#14 Comment By Darrin Simms On September 26, 2025 @ 9:59 pm
He was a great man, great friend, great boss, great man to ask advice from. I worked along side him and for him at Amana, we traveled many miles together working with Amana traveling all over the US,, served 8 years with him as county commissioners, we served on several committees together. His legacy will leave on for generations to come. RIP my friend!! You will be truly missed.
#15 Comment By Mildred Mcnatt On September 26, 2025 @ 10:13 pm
Marsha I am so sorry to read about Randys. Passing. He certainly was a wonderful person. He was always the same evertime I saw him. I always admired him as a wonderful family man, to his family. I love yall and appreciate all the years of support. I can see him now…RIP Randy
#16 Comment By Cynthia Dunivan On September 27, 2025 @ 7:11 pm
Randy was a true warrior. Marsha please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you sweet friend.
Bob & Cindy
#17 Comment By Ernest Lee Jennings On September 28, 2025 @ 11:12 am
He was a very good man and a big influence in my life and military service. I think of him as a true big brother and friend!!!
#18 Comment By Julia Atchley On September 28, 2025 @ 1:12 pm
So sorry for your Loss Randy was a great man good to the core I work with Randy for years Prayers For all Family and friends
#19 Comment By Keith Vanhooser On September 29, 2025 @ 10:16 am
Prayers for family and Friends.May God comfort you all during this time.