Raymond Bradford Obituary

LAKEWOOD – Raymond Bradford, 88, of Lakewood, died Monday, March 14, 2011, at Valley Hi Nursing Home in Woodstock.

He was born Jan. 11, 1923, in Mount Vernon, Ind., to Raymond and Johnnie Bradford. On April 28, 1951, he married Penny Hale; she preceded him in death in 1991. On May 22, 1994, he married Barbara Falck.

He was a World War II veteran, serving in the Army Air Corps in Burma and India. He had a bachelor's degree in history from Evansville College and a master's degree in history from University of Illinois. He taught American History at Crystal Lake Central High School and Crystal Lake South High School and was retired for 20 years.

He was a modest man who was devoted to his family and friends. He was a devout member of Crystal Lake United Methodist Church. He enjoyed reading, exercising at cardiac rehab, Great Books Club, and most of all, being with family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; his grandchildren, Meghan Davies and Will Davies; his son-in-law, William Davies; his stepdaughters, Mary (Jeff) Grieff, Suzanne (Lee) Yi, Elizabeth (the late Mike) Hedges and Kristen (Terry) McCarthy; his stepgrandchildren, Jacob (Gina) Grieff, Matthew Grieff, Elijah (Emily) Grieff, Amanda Stodghill, Anthony Stodghill, Stephanie Hedges, Phillip Hedges, Stuart Yi, Conor McCarthy, Braden McCarthy, Jenna McCarthy and Ryan McCarthy; and his stepgreat-grandchild, Eva Grieff.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Penny; his daughter, Lisa Davies; his brother, Jack; his sister-in-law, Doris; and his stepson-in-law, Mike Hedges.

The visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 18, at Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home, 500 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 19, at First United Methodist Church, 236 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake. Interment will be in Windridge Memorial Park, Cary.

Memorials may be made to Crystal Lake First United Methodist Music Ministry.

For information, call the funeral home at 815-459-1760. Online condolences may be made at www.querhammerandflagg.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Northwest Herald from Mar. 15 to Mar. 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Bradford

13 Entries

March 26, 2011

I was very fond of Ray. He was a gentle man, intelligent, and kind. He had a nice laugh and a good sense of humor. It was always a happy feeling to see Ray and Barb come into Cardiac Rehab.
Fondly, Linda Hoch

March 22, 2011

To Mr. Bradford's family..
I was a student of his at CL South and too immature to appreciate what a cool individual he was.I remember him very well. He was always calm, organized and polite...and truly a sharp dressed man from head to toe. You are in my thoughts. Laura Cocke.

March 19, 2011

Barbara & Family
Our sympathies to you on Ray's passing. Always enjoyed seeing you both at Cardiac Rehab.
Betty & Earl Brueggeman

Michael Penkava

March 18, 2011

Decades ago I knocked on Ray's door hoping to find a listening ear, but instead I found a dear friend. Ray was a humble man of quiet wisdom whose depth of humanity taught me that you don't need a classroom to be a teacher. I will truly miss his knowing smile, his sharp wit, and his kind way of always making me feel special. Ray's distinctive voice will echo forever in my memory. I can already hear him say, "Mike, you're getting a bit wordy." You're right, Mr. Bradford...I'll wrap it up now.

teresa bradford

March 17, 2011

uncle ray will be dearly missed , he was a big part of our family. he had such grace and intelligence, very gentile,loving,took great interest in what you had to say. im sure he was a excellent teacher, had great memory....we love you teresa bradford scott amanda gemma michael

Loretta Heidtke

March 17, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Bruce Frazier

March 17, 2011

Dad and I would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies to Barbara who took such magnificent care of Uncle Ray. Also to Bill and Ray's 2 wonderful grandchildren. We will certainly think of you at this summer's Hale reunion and cherish the times that you were able to come to the park!

March 17, 2011

My first thought is of the reunion that took place once Uncle Ray got to Heaven and reunited with Beluah and Lisa. I am saddened in his passing but rejoice knowing he is in Heaven watching over all of us that remain here on Earth. This world is a better place because of Ray's gentleness and kindness. Such a special man will be missed. Love and prayers go out to Barbara. Thank you so much for taking care of him and loving him.

Anna Ruth Rose
Salem, VA

March 16, 2011

To Barbara and the entire family.
I will miss seeing Ray setting in the back of the church along with the rest of us Parkiinson's patients > He always had a smile on his face that made going to church more enjoyable just to see him and Barbara. He was truly and inspiration to us all and a Ray of hope.
Donald Penn

Sean Fuery

March 16, 2011

Mr. Bradford was a memorable fixture in my adolescence. I had two classes with him in high school. He was always kind, polite and respectful even when his students were not. A great man.

Jennifer Grunow

March 16, 2011

Ray was such a wonderful man surrounded by a loving family. He was such a gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family at this very difficult time. Bill, Jenny, Morgan and Jack Grunow

Mom, Ray,& Mike-Their last Thanksgiving together

Elizabeth Hedges

March 15, 2011

Ray was a wonderful grandpa to all of his grandchildren! He loved to spend time with his family. I will miss his true compassion he displayed for everyone. He will be missed by all! Love you Ray, Betsy

Jeannine Hedges

March 15, 2011

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Your entire family is in our prayers.

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