Graveside services for David Felding Bradford, 89, of Anderson, SC will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Leland-Stoneville Cemetery. He passed away on December 5, 2022, at his home in Anderson, SC, after a long battle with cancer.
He was born on April 28, 1933, to Misella McInnis Bradford and Willie Ray Bradford in Alexandria, Louisiana. Growing up he was very involved in the Episcopal church, where he was confirmed at age 12. He was also active in sports, especially carrying on his father’s legacy of being a standout golfer.
After graduating from Bolton High School in Alexandria, he attended Louisiana State University, where he earned his BA in Accounting in 1954. While at LSU, he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. Afterwards, he earned a degree in meteorology at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. He was then assigned to the Naval Air Station at Subic Bay, Philippines, where he served two years.
During this time his relationship with Jesus Christ deepened through his involvement with The Navigators, a Christian ministry that prioritizes Scripture memory and discipling friendships, two spiritual practices that have marked his life.
During college, he met Corinne Gerdes from Leland, Mississippi, through her sister, Marianne, who also attended LSU. They continued their relationship off and on for several years and were married on November 28, 1961.
They served full-time with The Navigators for about 15 years in various locations: Pacific Grove, CA; the headquarters in Glen Eyrie, Colorado Springs, CO; the army base in Shelby, TN; the Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI; Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA; and the University of Auckland in New Zealand. During that time, they welcomed their four children.
In the early-mid 1970’s David resigned from full-time service with The Navigators, moved the family to Jackson, MS and began working as a CPA, starting his own accounting practice, which he ran for over 30 years.
David loved his Lord. He loved being a husband, father and grandfather. He also loved being a part of his church family, First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS, where he served as an elder for 18 years. He enjoyed teaching Sunday School, leading short-term mission trips to Eastern Europe and Peru, teaching English and fostering community for Internationals, and showing warm hospitality to many. He also enjoyed playing golf and tennis and cheering for LSU sports.
In 2006, David and Corinne moved to Anderson, SC to be closer to family. He served at Living Hope Church as an elder, and he also participated in their recovery ministry. He later attended Young Memorial ARP Church. He was an active member of Cardinal Racquet Club and the Anderson Area YMCA. He also took great delight in taking the family to Hilton Head, SC for vacation every summer.
A verse that increasingly marked his life as he grew older was John 15:5: “I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
He was preceded in death by his son, Hudson; and his brother, William Ray Bradford.
He is survived by his wife, Corinne; his three children Nate (Beth) of Anderson, SC, Marianne of Raleigh, NC, Bill (Allen) of Tupelo, MS; and his nine grandchildren, Mollie, Nathan, Addie, William, Hannah, Sarah Grace, Andrew, Julia, and Corinne.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a memorial gift to Peru Mission toward the Arévalo Manse Campaign. Gifts can be made online at perumission.org or by check to Peru Mission and mailed to Peru Mission USA, P.O. Box 25912, Greenville, SC 29616.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons and his nephew, Joe Hyde.