House Resolution 42

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND SERVICE OF MR. JOE C. BRADFORD.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on December 18, 2020, the grand architect of the universe summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mr. Joe C. Bradford, to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family, friends and community; and

WHEREAS, Scott County and the entire citizenry of the State of Mississippi lost a wonderful friend and community leader with the passing of Mr. Bradford, who was born to Joe and Irene Bradford, and was a lifelong resident of Forest, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, a member of the Forest High School Class of 1977, Mr. Bradford attended Northwest Community College, where he majored in mortuary science, and used his degree to assist families in his family business, Bradford Funeral Home, as well as Wolf Funeral Services, where he served as funeral director for several years; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Bradford's heart was that of a true public servant, as he became the coroner for Scott County and served the role with efficiency, professionalism and loving care for 28 years, retiring in 2019, and during his tenure as coroner, he also served as the district president of the Mississippi Coroners Association for several terms; and

WHEREAS, as the Scott County Coroner, Mr. Bradford treated everyone with equality, respect and fairness, helped anyone who needed him, and cared for hundreds of families in their time of loss; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Bradford was truly blessed to be married to the love of his life, René, whom he cherished with all his heart, and the couple, who exemplified what true love really meant, completed their family unit with the addition of one daughter, Nicole; and

WHEREAS, in his spare time, Mr. Bradford truly loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who were the apple of his eye, camping in the great outdoors, and raising horses and attending the Dixie National Rodeo; and

WHEREAS, Joe C. Bradford's bright sense of humor, remarkable intelligence and pure heart left an indelible impression in the hearts and minds of his many friends and family, who are left to cherish his memory, including: his loving wife, René Comans Bradford; daughter, Nicole Waldrip (Matthew); sister, Jeanne Rowland (Dr. Steve); grandchildren, Dylan Bagley and Matison Smith; and a host of other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins and friends; and

WHEREAS, we encourage the family to find solace from the overwhelming sadness created by the earthly departure of their beloved family member and be renewed in their faith that Mr. Bradford fulfilled the purpose of his appointed time in adherence to the commandment of II Timothy 4:7, by having "fought a good fight, finishing his course and keeping the faith until the hour of his departure was at hand"; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life and service of such a genuine and selfless individual as Mr. Joe C. Bradford, whose light illuminated the path of hope for all he encountered along this earthly sojourn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life, legacy and service of Mr. Joe C. Bradford and express sincere and deepest sympathy upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Joe C. Bradford and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.