George Emmett Bradford, 91, passed away Jan. 25, 2015, at Mountain View Healthcare.
He was born Nov. 14, 1923, in Clear Springs, son of George Thomas and Maudie Belle Combs Bradford. He and Flora Beth Starnes were married March 20, 1951.
He served from 1944-’46 with the Army. He was deployed to the Philippians during World War II and received several medals, including the “Army of Occupation” and the “Asiatic Pacific Campaign.”
He was a member of the Northern Cherokee Nation.
He had many jobs through the years, including logging, farming, raising cattle and working at the Rawlings factory and Will McVickers Pallet Company. He was called to preach in 1954 and became an ordained member of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church in 1961. He pastored several area churches, including Clear Springs, Pine Hill, Arroll and Oak Side. He held numerous revivals across the country.
In 1969, he was asked to fill in as pastor at Midvale Pentecostal Holiness Church, and preached his first message on March 1, 1969. Several years later he was voted in as pastor, making his pastorate at Midvale a total of 46 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Woodrow and Gene; and twin sisters, Ella and Ellen.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Flora Beth; a daughter; Waneta Cooper; two sons, Doyle and James; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; a brother, Elmer; a sister, Mary Linderer; and a host of other family members.
Services were Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Midvale Church with the Rev. James Bradford officiating. Burial with military honors was in Midvale Cemetery.
Online condolences May be left at bradfordfuneralhome.net.
