Edward Bradford, Jr., was born on December 3, 1945, in Taylorsville, Kentucky to Lillie Beard and Edward Whitaker Bradford, he was their only son. "Eddie," as he was affectionately known by his family, grew up in Shelbyville, Kentucky. He came as a big surprise to the entire family of five girls, arriving seven years after his youngest sister. Eddie was lovingly adored by his family, particularly his mother and eldest sister Natholee. She felt she had acquired a new baby doll and assumed the role of his surrogate mom. Natholee always remained a great influence over his life. Eddie attended High Street Elementary School through the eighth grade. As a child, he was very rambunctious and full of energy, spending as much time as possible outside riding his bicycle or pulling his beloved red wagon wherever he went.
With Natholee's insistence seeking better educational opportunities for Eddie, he attended Shelbyville High School beginning in 1961. He was a member of the school's football team for his final 2 years before graduating in 1964. It was also during these formative years that Eddie's strong work ethic began to take shape. He spent much of his free time working various jobs to help support his family, a commitment to hard work that would remain a defining characteristic throughout his life. Eddie was among a group of seven Black students who were the first to attend Shelbyville High School following its desegregation. During this transition, he faced constant racism, scrutiny, and the challenges of being among the first. Yet he persevered, never knowing at the time that his courage and determination would help pave the way for generations of Black students who followed.
Shortly after graduating, Eddie enlisted in the United States Army. He served as an Army Medic during the Vietnam War, beginning in 1965. During his time in Vietnam, Eddie provided medical care not only to Army personnel but also to Vietnamese civilians. He took great pride in being able to care for the local community despite the circumstances of war, a reflection of the compassion and commitment to service that would remain a part of who he was throughout his life. He achieved the rank of Specialist 5 (SP5) and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Eddie was honorably discharged from the Army in 1968.
During his service he was exposed to Agent Orange, a chemical defoliant used extensively during the war. Years later, that exposure was connected to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), the cancer that ultimately claimed his life. Despite the challenges and lasting consequences of his service, Eddie remained proud of his time in the Army. Before returning to the United States, he was awarded a month of Rest and Recuperation (R&R), which he chose to spend in Thailand. He embraced the opportunity to explore the country's scenery and culture, but perhaps most of all, its food. He developed a particular affinity for Thai street food, even after contracting Hepatitis B during his travels, a memorable souvenir from an otherwise unforgettable adventure.
After discharge, Eddie found himself relocating to Chicago to pursue a new career opportunity and begin a family. It was there that he married his first wife, Charyl Rivers. Eddie and Charyl met each other while enlisted in the military. They were soon married after discharge and together had two children; Tara (due to illness died shortly after birth) and his only son; Brandon Norris.
Eddie worked for the United States Postal Service in Chicago as a Network Specialist, where his strong work ethic was evident in the dedication he brought to his job. Despite working long overnight shifts, he rarely missed a day of work. It was during his time at USPS that his colleagues gave him the nickname "Brad", a name that eventually took its place alongside his family nickname, "Eddie." He loved his work and through it formed many lifelong friendships. One of his lesser known talents that he developed during his years at the post office was the ability to memorize ZIP codes from across the country. He had a definite infinity to remember numbers. He calculated many mathematical formulas strictly in his head, rarely requiring a calculator. He retired from USPS in 2010 after over 40 years of service. In 1981, he married his second wife, Lynda Bundrage, whom he met and courted during her daily commute to and from work on the Rock Island Commuter train that ran into Chicago daily. They resided in Hazel Crest, Illinois and together had one child; Taylor Lyn.
Brad lived in Glenwood, Illinois, until suddenly developing his incurable illness, AML. He lived a simple life, embracing a minimalist approach and finding joy in the things that mattered to him most. His life, however, was rich in many different ways. He perfected the art of cooking for one, specializing in meals such as fried catfish and spaghetti before later turning toward healthier favorites like baked tilapia and salmon. He always made room for his sweet tooth, with circus peanuts, oatmeal cream pies, and MoonPies among his favorite treats.
Brad was an avid sports enthusiast, particularly when it came to basketball and football. ESPN played constantly in his home as he enjoyed watching NFL and NBA games. He was a loyal fan of the Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bulls and, in recent years, became an avid supporter of women's basketball. He was also a lover of all things aviation. After moving to Chicago, one of his favorite pastimes was watching airplanes take off and land at Chicago Midway Airport.
In his later years, Brad became a frequent visitor to the Glenwood Public Library, where he took classes to further his knowledge of computers and technology. Though he did not indulge in many material possessions, he had a particular affinity for certain things, including watches, writing pens, laptops, and mattresses, (who knew!) He also had a great love of cars and remained loyal to Toyota for many years before purchasing his Nissan Rogue in 2017.
Edward's superpower was his love for his family and friends. For as long as his family could remember, he made a point of returning home to his beloved Kentucky for family visits and reunions. His mother and sisters always made sure his favorite foods were waiting for him when he arrived, making each trip home feel like a true homecoming. As life made traveling more difficult, Brad found other ways to remain connected, regularly calling his siblings and other relatives to check in and stay involved in their lives. Distance never diminished the importance he placed on family.
His love of family extended beyond those connected to him by blood. After the passing of his father-in-law, Issac Williams, Brad continued to regularly check in on his mother-in-law, Gloria and made sure she knew she could count on him whenever she needed help. He believed in showing up for the people he cared about, and his friendships reflected that same loyalty. He maintained friendships that spanned decades, from childhood through his years at the United States Postal Service, and valued the connections he made throughout his life.
Brad's love for family extended to the four-legged kind as well. While living in Hazel Crest, he loved and cared for his dog, Klipper, a Shih Tzu, even when Klipper was not always the easiest companion-for example, when he decided to jump out of the car onto a fast paced traffic-filled street on the way to the groomer. Brad jumped out the car and brought traffic to a full stop while he crawled beneath his car to bring Klipper to safety. Later in life, Brad developed a close relationship with his daughter's dog, Lloyd. The two formed a special bond, with Lloyd visiting Brad during stays in rehabilitation facilities and Brad happily volunteering to watch Lloyd whenever the opportunity arose. Their bond became a cherished part of Brad's later years, and Lloyd remained by his side through his final days.
In 2023, Brad was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, one of the most aggressive and incurable cancers. For nearly three years, he fought the disease valiantly with everything he had. He even relocated from his home in Glenwood to be closer to his new Oncology team at Rush Copley Cancer Center in Aurora, Illinois. He quickly became a favorite among the staff. His quick-witted jokes, determination, and unmistakable personality helped him form close relationships with the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and many others on his care team. His Oncologist, Dr. Ahmed, frequently reassured him that the treatment and care that Brad was receiving was the same that he would provide for his own father. The entire family is eternally thankful for the outstanding care that extended his prognosis from weeks to almost 3 years. No matter how poorly he was feeling, he did his best to remain in good spirits, and his strength and resilience were frequently admired by those caring for him. Even during his final weeks of hospitalization, members of the Cancer Center team continued to visit him, a testament to the lasting impact he had made on those who cared for him.Though leukemia became a significant part of the final years of his life, Brad did his best not to let the disease define him. He continued to find humor, build relationships, and face each day with the same determination that had carried him throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillie and Edward Bradford; his first wife, Charyl Rivers; his first daughter, Tara Bradford; and his four sisters, Lucille Bradford, Evelyn Burks, Alyne Jones and Natholee Harris.
He leaves to cherish his memories; his wife Lynda Bradford of Oswego, IL; son Brandon Bradford of Chicago, IL; daughter Taylor Bradford of San Diego, CA; sister Fredia Caldwell of Shelbyville, KY; brother-in-law, E. B. Jones of Middletown, KY; three grandchildren, Brent Bradford, Brea Bradford, and Brendon Bradford; one great grandchild, Austin Brokemond, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
After a life-long journey of adventure, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Eddie passed away peacefully at home. Eddie will return home to his final resting place in Shelbyville, KY where he will lovingly be surrounded by his family. He will be laid to rest with his mother. Eddie has expressed his wishes that there is no other place that he would prefer to spend eternity.
Cremation arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY. For information, 630-554-3888 or visit his memorial page at www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com