Woodrow "Woody" Bradford

September 17, 1943 ~ February 25, 2024 (age 80)

Woodrow "Woody" Bradford passed away peacefully at home in South Bend, IN on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. Woody was born in Memphis, TN to Olive and Willie B. Bradford. His Uncle Samuel and Aunt Elizabeth Love from South Bend, IN adopted him when he was 5 years old.

He graduated from Riley High School in 1950 and continued his education at Bethel College where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration. After graduating from Bethel College, he served in the Navy in 1961. Woody faithfully worked as a truck driver at Bendix Factory in South Bend, IN for 20 years. Then he worked at Steel Warehouse as a truck driver for 20 more years. His last place of employment was South Bend Schools Transportation Department where he was a bus driver for 15 years. Woody was a dedicated and dependable worker with a great sense of humor.

Woody enjoyed fishing and spending time with his friends. He loved bowling with his Chippewa Bowling League, and he took many out-of-town trips with his bowling league to compete in tournaments. He also enjoyed taking family vacations every year. One of his favorite pastimes was hanging out with his daughter, Vontrina at the Casino. His favorite color was brown.

Woody was a loving husband, father and grandfather who touched the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Woody was proud of his family and looked forward to the holidays, family events, and birthday celebrations. He was always happy to eat the gourmet meals prepared by his beloved wife, Beverly. Make No Mistake- like Sinatra-he did life his way.

He is survived by his lovely wife, Beverly Bradford of 44 years, his children Vontrina (Victor) Bradford-Kasambwe of South Bend, IN, Rhonda Brown of Atlanta, GA, Rhonda Bradford-Newman of Washington DC, Gwendolyn Bradford-Williams of Gary, IN, Sherry Jones of Druid Hills, GA, Felisha Bradford of Indianapolis, IN, Jaundalynn (Jamal) Thomas of South Bend, IN, Nathaniel Bradford of Louisville, KY, Michael Bradford of Atlanta, GA, William James of South Bend, IN, Shawn Stu wart of South Bend, IN, Melvin Johnson of South Bend, IN, Dawn Milligan of Kalamazoo, MI and Diane (Anthony) Pittman of Kokomo, IN. He also left behind brothers Ralph and Theodore Bradford and sister Torid Threlkeld. He also left behind a lineage of grandkids, great-grandkids, nieces, and nephews, brothers-in -law Herma Hames, Ronald (Kerry) Adams, Dennis White, and a sister-in-law and friend Cathy Smith, special friends Thomas Johnson of South Bend, IN, Willie Payne of Detroit, MI, Johnie Mack of South Bend, IN and special best friend and granddaughter Victoria Kasambwe.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Also, his mother-in-law Zola White, father-in-law, Rev. Paul Adams, his sister-in-law, Patricia Ramsey, brothers-in-law, Michael and Mark Adams, Paul Adams Jr., and a grandson, Shawn Bailey.

03/02/2024 djb

https://www.alfordsmortuaryinc.com/obituary/Woodrow-Bradford