Bobby Jim Bradford of Grapevine, Arkansas, passed away at his home May 14, 2024, with his family surrounding him. He was born in Grapevine to the late James Charlie Bradford Sr. and Lue Crossett Bradford.  He was a 1955 graduate of Grapevine High School and a proud Co-Captain of the Grapevine Blackcats basketball team. He was married to the love of his life, Shelba Fielding Bradford for 63 years. Some of their greatest memories were fishing at the White River Refuge. They were members of Swinging Jackets Square dancing team. He and his wife had three children, Papaw to three grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren that he loved dearly.

Bobby was employed by Cotton Belt Railroad, where he retired after 29 years. He served on the Board of Directors at Pine Bluff Cotton Belt Federal Credit Union for 37 years. He also served in the Army National Guard. Bobby was full of life and always ready for the next adventure, preferably outdoors. He was a Charter member of Bradford-Ross Hunting club; excessively enthusiastic deer, turkey, and squirrel hunter; he hunted anything that made a track. Even though the mornings were early, and the weather was cold, Bobby instilled a love of hunting and fishing in his grandson, Cole. He owned A&B Fox Pen with Robert Ashcraft for several years and every Monday night you would find him there spending time with his buddies listening to their dogs run. Bobby was passionate about his garden, horses, and dogs. He was talking about feeding his puppies and loading his horses until he took his last breath. Bobby was a past Master at Taylor Lodge in Grapevine. Current member of Sardis Missionary Baptist Church. Bobby devoted many years as a board member to the Ain Cemetery and Grapevine Cemetery Associations.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three sisters, five brothers, son in law, David Pruden, and long-time friend, Larry Pilkington. He is survived by his wife, Shelba of Grapevine, daughter Julie Gnau(Eddie) of Grapevine, sons: John Robert "Bubba" Bradford (special daughter in law, Kendra) of Grapevine, and Greg Bradford of Greenbrier; grandchildren: Sarah Ellis(Chris), Brittany Bradford Graves (Aaron), and Cole Bradford all of Sheridan; great granddaughters: Madison, Paisley, and Carlie Ellis; great grandsons: Rawling, Ripp, and Rigley Graves all of Sheridan. Siblings, Betty Wilson of Rison, Huey Bradford (Vinda) of Pine Bluff, Glen Bradford (Linda) of Grapevine. Brother-in-law, Alton Fielding (Peggy) of Gallatin, TN. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews that were special to him.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to caregiver, Karen Sterrett that devoted the last year to Bobby. Also, special thanks to caregiver, Crystal Harris and Gentiva Hospice Care.

Visitation will be held at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Sheridan from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

Funeral Service will be Friday May 17, 2024, at 2:00pm with Michael Walton officiating. Burial will follow at Ain Cemetery 4656 Hwy 35, Grapevine, AR 72057

Pallbearers are Cole Bradford, Chris Ellis, Aaron Graves, James Wilson, Jeff Wilson, and Brad Wilson. Honorary pallbearers are Jimmy Bradford, Spencer Bradford, Fred Phillips, Shelby Taylor, Jerry Shelton, Rawling, Ripp, and Rigley Graves.

Memorials may be made to Ain Cemetery Association c/o Sherman Lites 5928 Hwy 35 South Grapevine, AR 72057.