Mr. Norman Earl Bradford
May 18, 1937 - October 18, 2013

Norman Earl Bradford was born May 18, 1937 to the late Wayne Bradford Sr. and Norma Hughes Bradford Holifield in Forest, Mississippi. Norman accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Lone Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Hillsboro, Mississippi.
He graduated from high school in Scott County, Mississippi and went on to attend Mississippi Vocational College, known now as, Mississippi Valley State University where he played for their football team. Upon moving to Indianapolis Norman united in Holy Matrimony to Alice Faye Walker and to this union three children were born of which one, a son, died during childbirth. He also joined Grace Memorial Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. James M. Brown.
Norman was a skilled tradesman who worked for AT&T/Lucent Technology, formerly Western Electric, as a pipefitter and retired after 30 years of service. After retirement he would attend the Pioneer gatherings with other AT&T retirees for their monthly euchre card games.
He was a member of Trinity Lodge #18 and Persian Temple #46.
An avid sport enthusiast, he was known as a stern coach who loved his players and enjoyed mentoring them. He would fondly recall stories of how he was able to build championship teams and humbly displayed his trophies. For years he coached little league football teams for Northwest Little League Association. He also coached baseball for Forest Manor in addition to coaching basketball for Prentice Presbyterian Church.
Norman loved to fish and hunt but what he enjoyed most was sharing stories, especially with his nephews, of how his beloved dogs; Sandy, Sally, Pooch and The Fuzz could hunt a squirrel, rabbit or raccoon. In his healthier years he would hunt with his son and fish with his daughter. Later, when his health permitted he would happily grab a fishing pole with his granddaughters and cast a line or two. He also loved a good game of checkers and kept a game board next to his favorite chair on the back porch just in case someone wanted to play.
Although his health began to deteriorate his mind stayed sharp and he would recall humorous stories from years ago or offer words of wisdom. He loved his family and friends and would find delight in being surrounded by those he loved. One of his favorite things was calling relatives to wish them a �"Happy Birthday” and would respond to questions of how he was feeling with: �"I’m kicking but not too high” all the while never complaining about how he physically felt.
Norman had always been a strong man and when he was no longer able to drive or do the things he loved to do, his family and friends stepped right in and never made him feel as if he were left out. He spoke highly of his nieces and nephews who always checked in on him, his cousins who would come by and take him out to breakfast or supply him with his favorite green tomatoes. His friends who would drop by and take him for a ride or who would come to visit after a hunting trip to gift him with fresh game. Also he was thankful for his sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law who called just to talk and his dear cousins who treated him as though he was their brother and not just a cousin.
Norman departed this life on Friday, October 18, 2013 at the age of 76. He leaves to cherish his memories; his caregiver and faithful wife and of 52 years, Alice F. Bradford; children Keith E. Bradford (Lesa) of Indianapolis, Indiana and Kimberly F. Bradford of Atlanta, Georgia; a niece he helped to raise, Trendia Brownlow of Gulfport, MS; granddaughters, Courtney L. Summers, Danielle N. Bradford and Reilly A. Bradford; brother Wayne Bradford Jr. (Myla) of Indianapolis, IN; aunt, Tera Odom of Forest, MS; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Fannie Bradford and Mrs. Ella Bradford of Forest, MS., Dr. Mariah Bradford of Surprise, AZ; brother-in-law Ben Hollis of Indianapolis, IN. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and church family.

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