Howard “Gary” George Bradford, Jr.

April 2, 1933 - October 15, 2016
Howard “Gary” George Bradford, Jr.

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Howard George “Gary” Bradford, Jr., age 83 of Wilmington passed away Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter.

He was born in Fairfax, VA on April 2, 1933 the son of Howard G. Bradford and Nellie Arlevia Poole Bradford. Remembered is his wife, Shirley Bradford who preceded him in death.

Gary was a member of College Acres Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the US Coast Guard and was retired from US Steel Fertilizer Division, serving as the Assistant Plant Manger of the Fertilizer Plant in Navassa. Gary enjoyed traveling after his retirement and in later years enjoyed going out for dinner at various restaurants.

Gary is survived by his children, Dinah Osborn, Carl Bradford, and Elizabeth Bell; 9 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren; and his special and close friend of many years, Sarah Harrell.

Funeral services will be held 2 pm Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at Wilmington Funeral Chapel officiated by Rev. Robert Keats. Burial will be in Oleander Memorial Gardens.

Share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 29403 910.791.9099.


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  • October 16, 2016
    Jaime Turner lit a candle:
    Lit since October 16, 2016 at 10:47:16 PM

  • October 17, 2016
    Melissa Harrell Insco says:
    Gary was always a pleasure to be around. His smile would lighten up anyone's day. We would always look forward to his visits with Sarah Gay when we had family functions. He will truly be missed and our condolences to the family.

  • October 17, 2016
    Jo Anne (Harrell) Harrelson says:
    Gary was a special friend. I met him many years ago and we became closer after he met Sarah Gay. Our family always enjoyed having him share birthdays/holidays with us through the years. He was truly "one of us." We will miss him!

  • October 17, 2016
    Teresa Harrell says:
    Gary was such a loving man that I always enjoyed being around at all our family gatherings. He always had a pleasant personality and he would give me a hug each time he saw me. He had become a special person in the Harrell family and he will surely be missed but never forgotten. I know he is in a much better place and finally without pain. We Love you, Gary, and will meet again someday!

  • October 17, 2016
    Kevin Harrell says:
    I always enjoyed spending time and talking with Gary and we had many chats about his beloved Redskins. I was so thankful that he and mom, Sarah Harrell, found each other and we're in each others lives. He will be missed and was loved and he was always a gentlemen. I am glad I got see him and have dinner last month. I will miss you buddy!

  • October 18, 2016
    Rick & Melba Van Zandt says:
    We are so sorry for your loss. We did not know Gary, but our wonderful son-in-law whom we adore is his grandson, Clint Barnhart. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. Rick & Melba Van Zandt, Bryant, Arkansas

  • November 04, 2016
    Sandra Marylanne Mooney Boletchek says:
    Gary was a blessing to my sister Shirley and Shirley was a blessing to Gary. They were married over 40 years. They were high school sweethearts in love and that love was just as strong always and beyond even after her death. I pray they will be together again. God be with their family and friends as they grieve.

  • February 14, 2017
    Elizabeth Bell says:
    I miss having coffee every morning. Just miss hearing you say I Love You each and everyday. I love you Dad and miss you deeply.