Scott Bradford

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. Proverbs 22:1

Scott Bradford, age 85, of Erwin, went to his eternal home in glory on Monday, October 3, 2022. There is no doubt he heard, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Scott loved the Lord and his family with all his heart, with all his soul and with all his might. He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Scott never met a stranger. He spoke to everyone, everywhere. He believed a man’s word was his bond. He believed in getting up early, working hard and being on time. If he wasn’t an hour early, he was late. He loved being the first one to church to just check on things and ring the bell. He was truly glad when they said, “Let us go unto the house of the Lord.” Scott faithfully served at Southside Freewill Baptist Church as both Deacon and Trustee. He sat on the front row for more than sixty years where he could shake people’s hands as they came out of the choir.

Scott loved his pastor of almost twenty years, Kevin Laws, like a son. He loved the entire Laws family. He considered them “his.” Simply, Scott loved people and they loved him. His family adored him and looked to him for guidance. He wasn’t one to just “talk the talk,” he “walked the walk.” Scott had a quick wit, he spoke his mind, and loved sitting on the porch with a good cup of coffee. He also never wanted to miss an opportunity to sit and “shoot the bull.”

He loved to travel when he could, and he was blessed to travel to Israel to the “Holy Land” when he was 80. He said it was the trip of a lifetime. Scott loved sports of all kinds; he supported the Atlanta Braves but loved the New York Yankees. Only this past summer was he able to see them play in person when his grandson, Caleb surprised him for his birthday. He loved the Vols but, he loved no other team more than the Unicoi County Blue Devils. He attended games as long as he was able. People would often ask him, “Who are you here to see?” He simply replied, “The Blue Devils!”

Scott worked for Hoover Ball at plants in Erwin, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Georgia. He retired with more than forty years of service. Scott served his country with honor and pride in the United States Army and Army Reserves from 1957-1964. He served as a Gas Commissioner with the Unicoi County Gas Utility District for over fourteen years with dear friends, Tim Whitson, Bernie Jones, Maurice Robinson, Glenn White and others. Additionally, he had over sixty years of faithful service to the Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons in Centennial Lodge #491.

Scott was the son of the late Andy Roscoe and Pearl Hensley Bradford, of Spivey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Doug and Terry Bradford; two sisters, Lois Ann Bradford, and Edna Muriel Portilia; one nephew, Nolan Shaun Bradford.

Scott was also preceded in death by his loving wife of over fifty-six years, Wilma Engle Bradford on October 19, 2017.

Left to cherish his memory, one son, Michael “Mick” Little (Sonya), Middleburg, FL; one daughter, Regina Bradford Harrell (Dwight), Johnson City; two grandsons: Richard “Rick” Little, Middleburg, FL, and Dr. Caleb Harrell (Lauren), Hudson, OH; six great grandchildren: Kayla, Amber, Victoria, Baylor, Berkley and Coleson; three great-great grandchildren: Amelia, Dean and Eros; one brother, Jack Duane Bradford (Tracy), Jonesborough; brother-in-law, Dennis Portilia; three sisters-in-law: Darlene Bradford, Debbie Bradford and Dale Engle. Scott also leaves behind a very special friend whom he considered a “granddaughter” Shelby Higgins Hill (Adam) and a dear friend and neighbor, Gwen Davis; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also survive.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Victoria Osborne, LNP and Dr. Jamal Maatouk. Scott loved both dearly, they weren’t just healthcare providers, they were his friends.

While life will never be the same for those he leaves behind, his family and friends find comfort knowing he is healed, whole and rejoicing with his Lord and Savior forevermore. His was a life well lived!

Scott’s family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at Southside Freewill Baptist Church. His funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Reverend Kevin Laws and Reverend John “Pete” Tackett officiating. Scott’s committal service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday in the Evergreen Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mike Hensley, Robert Hensley, Marlin Hensley, Darren Higgins, Danny Miller, Terry Willis, Corbin Laws, and Tim Whitson. Honorary pallbearers will be Deacons and Trustees of Southside Freewill Baptist Church. Masonic Rites will be conducted by Centennial Masonic Lodge #491 F&AM. Everyone is asked to meet at the Robert Ledford Funeral Home by 9:30 a.m. on Friday to go in procession to the cemetery.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Bradford family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Bradford family. (423) 743-1380.

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