Robert L Bradford

Robert “Bunky” Lynn Bradford, also know as Paw Paw. Born on Earth December 16, 1930, sent to his heavenly home February 6, 2024. Although he lived a very full life with a long list of earthly accomplishments (see below), if you do not read anymore of his obituary but his name and this next sentence, he would be okay with that- Whether you knew him or not, remember that he lived his life for Jesus and ministering with his gifts of coaching, devout prayer, Godly wisdom, and a human righteousness that was not perfect, but inspired by His Creator and Savior, and he would want you to know that accepting Jesus as your Savior is the single greatest act and defining moment of your earthly life. “Who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:15, Paw Paw declared in word and deed that Jesus was his Messiah and tried to live in a way that helped others answer the most important question any of us will ever ask.

Nowadays, it is quite easy to look up facts about anything and everyone, and this obituary will include facts about Paw Paw, but the main focus is on his attributes, characteristics and a legacy that cannot be “Googled” or measured in tangible ways. Paw Paw lived for competition, fellowship, and his family. He loved reminiscing about his childhood, his coaching years, and memorable family experiences. He also loved giving. He was selfless with his time and very giving through monetary generosity. It brought him joy to meaningfully impact others in practical ways. He loved candy, cigars, animals, annual celebrations, snack food, and spoiling his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Every day and place was a divine appointment for him, and he never missed an opportunity to be a missionary with his God-given gifts and abilities. In his more human moments, he was stubborn and persistent in what he wanted to eat and what he thought you should do in any given situation. His social battery had a short life before he wanted to be alone to re-charge. You always knew if he was in a talking mood or wanted to be left alone. When alone, he was a prayer warrior and spent a great deal of his time contemplating ways to share the Gospel and minister to others in word and deed.

He lived for his family, and his love multiplied with each generation of lineage. In his last years, he willed himself to stay alive for his great-grandchildren. Making new memories with his growing family was what he treasured most, and when he realized that he could no longer physically be a part of making those memories, he knew that his purpose on earth had been accomplished and that it was time to go home to His Savior and his soulmate, his wife, Margie Ann (married on March 29, 1956 for 57 years before she was called home). On February 6, 2024, he also joined the following that preceded him in earthly death; his father, Claude Bradford and mother, Opal Harman Bradford; His sister, Marian Bradford Barber, and brothers, Billy, Tom, and Jake Bradford. He is survived by his daughter, Merrilynn Bradford Jones, husband, Benny David Jones; granddaughter, Jessica Lynn Jones Mize, husband Jason Mize; and granddaughter, Hannah Elizabeth Jones. He is also survived by a third generation of five great-grandchildren: Julianna Lynn Jones Mize, Jason David Jones Mize, Jonathan Sebastian Domenech, Jacqueline Rose Jones Mize, and Jameson Bradford Jones Mize.

Now for the facts: he was born in Arp, Texas. He graduated from Arp high school in 1948. In high school, he played football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. He was voted all state in basketball where he played in the all-state basketball game. He went on to attend the University of Houston on a full basketball scholarship, passing up the opportunity to play for Adolf Rupp at the University of Kentucky so he could be closer to home and family. He lettered at the University of Houston three years before graduating in 1952. He was captain of his team and voted outstanding player. He joined the Air Force in 1953 during the Korean War. In 1955, he started his 33-year career at Houston ISD as an educator. During his occupational career, he was a basketball coach at Lanier Jr. High before becoming the High

School coach at Jesse Jones. In 1965, he led his team to a state championship. He was then voted by the state sports writers as the Texas basketball coach of the year. Despite the years that have passed since then, he remained close to the members of his 1965 state championship team, among other players that he coached over his career. He then went on to become the assistant principal at Jones High before moving to the central office as the supervisor of elementary P.E. over 40 elementary schools. Next, he spent one year at Scarbough as the Junior/Senior High assistant principal. He spent the last 13 years of his professional career as principal of Braeburn Elementary School. Other notable accomplishments include starting the first Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle in Houston schools. He served as the president of the Houston chapter of FCA. He spent 10 years in Bible Study Fellowship where he was a discussion leader. After retiring and moving to Tyler, he spent another 5 years in BSF, and coached girls’ and boys’ basketball in the Green Acres basketball league and also coached the 7th and 8th grade boys at Grace Community School. He loved hosting basketball camps in the summer where he would use his snow cone machine to make as many snow cones as there was ice and syrup available. He was active during his membership at Bethel Bible Church before attending Faith Community Church. In his last years, he was a fixture at every life milestone, school, and sporting event he could physically attend for his great-grandchildren.

If you made it this far, you know that Bunky’s life was a life well-lived. “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’.” Matthew 25:21. Bunky is no doubt in charge of a heavenly basketball game, preparing for the rest of his loved ones, and is sharing in His Lord’s glory. There are no doubt countless others that greeted him upon arrival as a result of his earthly impact, and countless more that will eventually join him because of the witness and influence he made in his time on earth.

He leaves a legacy that all that knew him would call honorable and admirable. His life is reflective of Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Robert “Bunky” Bradford, dearest Paw Paw, you ran with unrelenting perseverance, and I cannot wait to celebrate the joys and treasures you stored up in Heaven by being such a servant of the Savior.

The family request that Memorials be made to The Faith Community Church to https://faithtyler.org or to Gospel Advancement Ministries. P.O. Box 141055, Dallas, Tx. 75214.