Gary Wayne Bradford

Gary Wayne Bradford, 77, passed away peacefully in his home in Murfreesboro, TN on Thursday, March 17, 2022. His eternal companion, and loving wife, Rosemary, or “Ro” as he often referred to her, was by his side when he left this life and returned into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father.

Wayne was born on April 9, 1944, in Daytona Beach, FL to Leo Hezekiah Bradford and Dorothy May Allen. He married Rosemary Allore on March 27, 1965, in Southgate, MI. They were later sealed together for time and all eternity in the Manti, Utah temple in 1969. Wayne and Rosemary were married for 57 years. Some have described Wayne and Rosemary’s marriage as “true marriage inspiration.” Wayne served 13 years in the Army where he achieved the rank of Captain and served in many locations including Vietnam, Germany, Greece, Oklahoma and Michigan. He received a degree in Business and Accounting from Cameron University, and he taught ROTC at Vanderbilt University. He also worked for 17 years as a Partner at JC Bradford’s Financial Services. Wayne was a dedicated leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in various positions including Bishop, Stake President, Nashville Temple Presidency and as a temple sealer. He loved to teach others the doctrines of Christ and had a deep love of family history, which resulted in him writing two books including the 1,000-page history Descendants of William M. and Artemese E. Green Sullivan. Wayne and Rosemary also served a church mission together in London, England. A close friend of Wayne’s summed up his life with this statement, “He was a shining example of how to raise a family, work hard, serve faithfully and enjoy life.”

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Dorothy, and his granddaughter Brianna. He is survived by his wife Rosemary; eight children and their spouses: Darren (Carrie), Toby Davis (Tyler), Thel (Malia), Nathan (Charity), Jenny Moffitt (Matthew), Gary Wayne II “Brad” (Laura), Lindsey Dean (Joe) and Joshua (Brandi); 38 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren (and more on the way) who lovingly referred to him as Opa and Grandpa; and his brother Barry and his wife Christie. His eight children used the following words to describe their dad: a tease, generous, hard worker, patient, easy-going, faithful pioneer, giver, humble, deep love of his wife and family, God-fearing, leader, example, playful, spiritual giant and hero. Wayne leaves behind a strong legacy of faith within his family.

A viewing will be held at Roselawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens (5350 NW Broad Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37129), on Thursday, March 24 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (316 Mayfield Lane, Smyrna, TN 37167) on Friday, March 25 at 11:00 am. Graveside services will follow the funeral at Roselawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.