of Mayflower, AR

August 5, 1933 - October 9, 2020

Jerry Bradford slipped away from us in the quiet of the night Friday, October 9, 2020 after a lengthy illness. We like to think he is on a trail ride somewhere enjoying the beauty of the season!

Jerry was a husband, a step father, a surrogate father, an uncle, a Marine, a veteran and a 32-degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was a mentor to many. He was a teacher, a friend, a neighbor, a cattleman, and a farmer. He had a full life. He loved family and friends, and his many animals. He loved learning, teaching, and sharing with others.

Jerry met Sarah when he was recuperating from surgery, and was confined to the house which he hated. He had home health services which included nursing care. There was one particular nurse who caught his eye. He initially said she was a "Bossy Ole' Heifer" who was always lecturing him and telling him what to do. Before long, he decided she was not the bossy ole' heifer after all, they became friends, dated, and eventually married. Family knew this was to be serious because Jerry gave up his Copenhagen cold turkey! They have been married twenty-one years.

Jerry's niece, Sheila Mowrer has been his hand right man for seventy-five years. Jerry was twelve years old when Sheila was born, and he became Sheila's baby sitter because her mom worked. Sheila and Jerry have been there for each other for seventy-five years.

Jerry often said he didn't have children but has been blessed with step-children Ben and Jennifer, step-grandchildren, Jackson and Gracie who dearly loved their pop Bradford, nieces Sheila, Leanne, Therese, Natalie, Penni Layne, Dorothy, Bethany and Bella. His nephews include Charles, Jack and his sons, Jerry, Dee, Johnny, Jimmy and Penni and Therese's boys. They were a joy to him. He also enjoyed teaching children and had kept in touch with many of his students from Conway High School who became friends as adults.

Jerry has neighbors who have been great friends for years: Billy Wayne McCaghren and Tim Raney. Jerry wanted to remind Billy Wayne that he and Billy's dad made a promise to each other that they would never cut the beautiful persimmon tree between their properties. Jerry wanted to remind Tim to please look out for Sarah and Sheila and please help with things they cannot do.

Jerry wanted to tell Dr. David and Nina Baker how thankful he was to turn over to them the farm that he spent a life time developing.

Jerry wanted to remind his nieces to remember and share why the geese fly South in November! He wanted to tell his nephews he is so proud of what they have become. He wanted to apologize to Dee for instilling in him such a serious work ethic, and remind him to slow down and enjoy life more.

To all, Jerry wanted to remind everyone to listen to the frogs croak down on the pond come early February. Listen for the whippoorwills in early May. Listen for the geese flying South in November, listen for the roosters to crow near midnight on Christmas Eve. He will be listening.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Blvd.
Conway, AR  72032
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com