Charles Keith Bradford, Jr.

Funeral services for Charles Keith Bradford, Jr. will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2018 in the Saulters Funeral Home Chapel. Mr. Bradford, age 80, passed away from this life on Sunday, May 27, 2018 at his residence in Byram. Reverend James Buie will officiate and interment will follow in the New Hebron Cemetery. Saulters Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Pallbearers will be Chuck Bradford, Chip Bradford, Chad Bradford, Garrett Bradford, John Turnage, Albert Fortenberry, Robert Fortenberry and John Turnage, Jr.  Honorary Pallbearers will be  Joseph Bradford, Samuel Bradford, John Paul Bradford, Charles Walker Bradford and Keller Bradford.   Charles Keith Bradford, Jr. was born June 12th, 1937, in Simpson County Mississippi at the home of his parents Charles K. Bradford, Sr. and Inez Honea Bradford. Charles graduated from New Hebron High School in 1955. He married Mary Susan Culpepper in 1956. Charles attended the University of Southern Mississippi for two years before graduating from Mississippi State University in 1959 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Charles was drafted by the Army in 1959 as part of the “Critical Skills” program and completed his basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After basic training, Charles returned to civilian life and worked as the assistant county engineer for LeFlore County, MS, then in private practice with Smith & Sanders. He was awarded “Young Engineer of the Year” by the National Society of Professional Engineers in 1970 for his outstanding work. In 1972, Charles began working with the State Aid Division of the Mississippi Highway Department, planning, building and maintaining roads and bridges all across the state. Charles was a member of Westview Baptist Church, a deacon in the church and taught Sunday school. He was active as an Amateur “Ham” Radio Operator and enthusiast for many years and was a member of MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System), helping the military with local, national and international communications. Charles retired from the State Aid Division of the Highway Department in 1993 to his home in Byram, MS.Mr. Bradford was proceeded in death by his mother and father; an infant son Timothy; his brother, Duane Ray "Doc" Bradford; and his sister, Billie Sue Bradford. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Susan Culpepper Bradford of New Hebron, MS., his three sons, Charles S. Bradford (Amanda), William K. Bradford (Amber) and Chadwick L. Bradford (Jenny), his sister Debra K. Bradford Raddin, and 9 grandchildren (Clara, Keller, Catherine, Lanie, Joseph, Sam, Walker, Sarah Belle and John Paul). Charles was proceeded in death by his infant son Timothy; his brother, Duane Ray Bradford; his sister, Billie Sue; and his parents. Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.