Rev. Dr. Samuel Louis Lee Bradford Sr.

Reverend Dr. Samuel L. Bradford, Sr., born Samuel Louis Lee Bradford, was born on November 7, 1944, in Centralia, Illinois. He was the eldest of 10 sons and was raised by his mother Mattie (Bradford) Marshall and stepfather Robert Marshall who both preceded him in death. Pastor Bradford or "Brad" as he was affectionately known was educated in the Centralia City School system. He answered this countries call and enlisted in the United States Army and was released with an honorable discharged in 1964. He was raised in a spiritual home and made a confession in Jesus Christ as a young man; he pursued the ministry and later received his Doctorate in Theology. Reverend Bradford also has a Bachelors of Science Degree, with an emphasis in Sociology/Psychology, Masters in Special Evangelism and also a Ph.D. in Philosophy. Reverend Bradford has been in the ministry for more than thirty-six years. He has glorified the Lord as a divine proclaimer of faith and perpetual friend to those in need. He is known by many as the down-home preacher with an uptown message. He shared his struggles of brokenness and heartache felt by an African-American man who has managed to surmount numerous obstacles along his path. Reverend Bradford pastured several African Methodist Episcopal Churches as well as served as Chaplain for the St. Louis and East St. Louis Police Departments. He adopted the name of "The Royal Family" to use for his members as he led churches in St. Louis, East St. Louis, East Moline, Illinois, and finally Beloit, WS where he retired. He often engaged in community social interfaith fellowships serving as a catalyst for ministry outreach. Reverend Dr. Samuel L. Bradford, Sr. departed this life on Sunday, July 19, 2009. He leaves to cherish his memory: five children, Aleric Banks (who preceded him in death), Steven Banks (Colleen) Peoria, Illinois, Kellie Thompson (Marvin), Igquienna Williams and Samuel L. Bradford, Jr. all of St. Louis, Missouri; nine brothers, Curtis Bryant, San Francisco, California, Walter Bryant (Monica), Centralia, Illinois, Richard Bryant, Royal Lakes, IL, Raymond Bryant (Mary), Centralia, Illinois, Thomas Bryant, Mt. Vernon, IL, Steven Bryant, Eddyville, Robert Bryant, Michigan, Otis Bryant and Jimmy Ray Bryant (Janae) both of St. Louis, MO; ten grandchildren, one great-grandchild, a host of stepchildren and grandchildren, one aunt and two uncles. To send a lasting tribute or condolences to the Bradford family, please sign the Online Guestbook below. Click "Sign Guestbook".