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Kenneth Bradshaw Obituary
Kenneth James Bradshaw the oldest child of Kenneth Earl Bradshaw and Claudina Sayles Bradshaw Brown, died Thursday, March 26, at Baptist East from COVID-19 pneumonia. He was 64 years old.
He is the husband of Beverly Watkins Bradshaw whom it affectionately called "Cate" and stepfather of Bradley Watkins.
He professed a hope in Christ at Olivet Baptist Church and later joined World Overcomers Church where he served faithfully in the capacity of Watchman for Senior Pastor Alton R. Williams. Kenneth also was owner of Bradshaw Home Improvement and Remodeling and volunteered a segment of his staff to assist the church with the Hickory Hill Mall restoration project.
He graduated from Manassas in 1973 and due to his interest in architect he took four years of mechanical drawings and was a member of the Industrial Arts Club, Kenneth also played football and ran track and was a member of the school's 440 Relay Team that won the City Indoor Championship that year.
Bradshaw worked at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for 46 years, rising through the ranks from carpenter's assistant.
He retired as director of facilities administration, overseeing 200 people, 38 buildings and a $19 million annual budget and recently celebrated his retirement on March 6.
Bradshaw was preceded in death by his parents, and his former wife, Beverly Elayne Bradshaw.
Loved like a "Big Brother" Kennis Settles: Best of friends and prayer partners: Elders Jeff & Carolyn Fields, Kenny Allen, Amille Herron, Stanley Tyler, David Coburn, Flozell Harwell and Robert Macklin. "Buddies" Janet Brown, Carla Herron: Forever grateful: Great grandparents Landers and Ives Jones, Thanks to: Administrative Assistants Erika Clinton, Kathy Fitts and Carla Griffin-Crouthers: Love, admiration and gratitude: World Overcomers Church, Dr. Ken Brown, and the entire University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Given the current national conditions and the family's concern for the health and well-being of others, Mr. Bradshaw's service is private.
He leaves his children: Claudia Rogers, (Leslie)Roland Carruthers, grandchildren: Ladarrius Carruthers, Alexis Bailey, and Brie Walker; precious great-grandchild, Amyra Wiley; three loving sisters: Jeri Bradshaw Clark, (James) Gunda Bradshaw, (Lee) Kennetha Stevens, (Eric) two beloved brothers: Marc Bradshaw, and Cyrolin Bradshaw. Nieces and nephews - Yana Bradshaw-Bee (Geotalis ) Johnny Bradshaw (Uncle Mane's Mentee), Romarjonlin Bradshaw, Ricky Crump, Rickila Crump-Hidalgo (Jonder), Ricshunda Crump, Antonio Smith, Lynretta Bradshaw, Kamita Wilson, Eric Stevens Jr, Keric Stevens, KeErica Stevens, aunts: Estella Shears and Wilhmea Rayford of St. Louis, Missouri and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends and former colleagues.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to Caritas Village in Binghampton at caritasvillage.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Bradshaw
Veronica Jones
April 3, 2024
In loving memory of a nice man who would help you when you call. You are miss Mr. Bradshaw rest in God´s arm.
Mary Askew
April 3, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Veronica Rauls
May 6, 2022
My deepest sympathy, Beverly. You are always in my thoughts.
Veronica Jones
April 6, 2022
God we just Thank you for this gentle giant that had a great heart and always help me when I need help at work. Rest with the father Bradshaw as we call you. Father wrap your loving arms around Bev each and every day .
Mary
April 4, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Veronica Marie Jones
April 3, 2021
Bradshaw as I called him always took care of me at work. If I needed anything that needed fix or trashed in the building for surplus he would get it done with no problems. He was a out going friendly man with a good sense of humor. He will always be miss at the job. He left a lasting impression on us all. Rest in Eternal Peace. V
April 28, 2020
I am so very sad to hear this. I had the privileged of knowing Kenny as I was a vendor for UT. He was the nicest man, always so respectful. Rest In Peace! Praying for all of the family. Anita Carson
Bruce Brown
April 26, 2020
Rest in peace.
Valerie Fitzgerald
April 19, 2020
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I pray that God will wrap His arms around you and grant you the comfort and strength needed now and in the days to come. He's able.
In His care,
Valerie Fitzgerald
Memphis Area Master Gardeners, 2016
Jon Rawlinson
April 19, 2020
I feel so fortunate to have known and worked with Kenny. He was instrumental in teaching me many things personal and professional. An excellent role model in so many ways. I will miss him, and I know his family and numerous friends will also.
Sylvia Walker ( Shelby Cty MG, 2011 Class)
April 13, 2020
Beverly, I pray that our Heavenly Father grants you and your family with peace and comfort during this heartbreaking loss.
Frederic
April 10, 2020
GREAT TEAMMATE,FRIEND,REST IN HEAVENLY PEACE,73 TIGER
Frederick
April 10, 2020
One of the great guys out of Manassas High class of 1973. He was fast as lightning! Rest well my friend!
Gayle Williams, TSEA Field Rep
April 10, 2020
Deepest sympathy in your loss and continued prayers With sincere gratitude Tennessee State Employees Association thanks you for sharing him with us. He served as a Worksite Rep and was a TSEA member since 1999. He truly cared and wanted the best for his employees, & all state workers. For 46 years, he gave his all as an awesome public servant. He earned respect and admiration for all who knew him. Kenneth was a man of great integrity and character. He touched many lives. We will never forget him and miss him greatly!
Gloria Walker
April 10, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Linda Mills
April 10, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss him always. Kenneth and I worked together at the University of Tennessee for 35 years. He was truly a gentleman of gentleman. Beverly, my heartfelt condolences go out to you and your entire family.
Trilby Hawkins
April 10, 2020
My Deepest Condolences
Aureon Herron-Hinds
April 10, 2020
My family was blessed, oh so blessed, to have witnessed the joy that this humble, hard working, and loving spirited man brought to my aunt Beverlys life and to the lives of so many others. Thanks Uncle Ken! Gone, but never ever to be forgotten.
Joyce Burtch
April 10, 2020
Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences at this challenging time.
Josephine Weaver
April 9, 2020
Sincere condolences. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Carla
April 9, 2020
Mr. Kenneth Bradshaw you were more like an uncle to me that gave me needed life advice rather than a boss. You will be truly missed here on earth by me and so many others. Rest In Heaven...Love Carla Griffin-Crouthers
Bertha
April 9, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
San
April 9, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Joyce Small-Clark
April 9, 2020
Beverly, my deepest condolences and prayers are for you and your family. God said you will see him again; but for now he is resting in the gentle presence of God. He is with you in your heart.
Veronica Jones
April 9, 2020
I remember Mr. Bradshaw for his support and kindness to me. What every I asked or needed in the Hyman Building he would make sure it was done. One memory stands out above them all when ask me did I know Bev. Then he show me her picture. I was so happy for him because I told him he had found a loving and Godly woman indeed. I m so glad I got a chance to Congratulations him on 46 years of service and he will be truly miss. Peace Out Ken.
Lue Walls-Upchurch
April 9, 2020
Im so thankful for having such a loving and genuine person in my life. I pray God will give you peace during this most difficult time.
Mary ASKEW
April 9, 2020
To Cate and the entire Bradshaw family: During this time of sadness may you find comfort in the sympathy expressed by your friends and loved ones.
Taylia
April 9, 2020
An amazing man & a loving great uncle. He will surely be missed.
Amille Herron
April 9, 2020
Uncle Ken was a great man to my aunt Bafffffff he became mmy goid friend who would come by often and talk about football and the Cowboys which was our favorite team I'll miss him texting me during the football season I love ya Uncle Ken KEEP RESTING IN JESUS
Jesse Johnson
April 9, 2020
Beverly and the entire Bradshaw family are in my thoughts and prayers
Beverly
April 9, 2020
May God continue comforting his loving wife & family
Sandra
April 9, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rosetta Sanders
April 9, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Kristy Bell
April 9, 2020
I began working with Kenny in August 2007 in the Facilities Department at UTHSC. He was always helpful and gave great advice. There was not one time you could call him and not answered his phone he was literally a phone call away for any situation whether on the clock or off the clock. He always talked about his grand daughter and no matter shared how good God was to him and his family. I can go on and on but one thing for sure he will truly be missed and unforgettable at UT.
Bev "Cate" Bradshaw
April 9, 2020
"When I think of her I'm just thanking you, When I give her love I'm just thanking you Married and in love I'm just thanking you." These are words from your favorite song"Her." Even though you passed before our April 6 Anniversary, I still made a video for you with that song playing in the background as memories of us roll by. I so miss you, want to see you, need you and so look forward to the day we meet again! For you Kj, are on top of the world, really, you are in HEAVEN! Well Deserved My One and Only Love! Cate
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