David Milburn Bradford

David Milburn "Dave" Bradford passed away on December 01, 2025 at the age of 83.
Dave was born on May 25, 1942 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Milburn and Mary Kay Bradford. The Bradfords moved to California when Dave was 2 years old and eventually settled down in Etna, the place Dave lived for the majority of his life.
Growing up in Scott Valley, he spent most of his time horseback or working on many of the local ranches. He always imagined living the life of a cowboy, however, this changed during his teenage years when he realized a new calling: serving his country.
Dave enlisted in the U.S Army the day before his 17th birthday. During this time as a soldier, Dave served with dedication and valor. He spent a total of five tours overseas, including three tours in Germany and two in Vietnam. During his first Vietnam tour, he was wounded in combat and spent 7 months in the hospital. However, he recovered and returned for a second combat tour. For his actions in the military, Dave received numerous decorations, including a Bronze Star with with V device for valor, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal (6 awards), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Combat Infantryman's Badge, and two Army Commendation Medals.
While in the Army, Dave honed his natural ability with firearms and served on the U.S. Army Rifle team, competing in marksmanship competitions around the world. He was awarded the President's One Hundred Tab, a designation earned by the 100 top-scoring military and civilian shooters in the President's Pistol and Rifle Matches. Dave also won the historic rifleman's badge (gold medal) ten different times. Between competitions, Dave served as the U.S Rifle Team's gunsmith and would go on to provide firearm training to various military and law-enforcement agencies in many different countries.
Aside from being a decorated soldier, Dave was a dedicated family man. During his first tour in Germany, he was introduced to the love of his life, Winni. They met in March of 1962 and were married on August 9th, 1962. Dave became a father when his daughter, Sandy, was born in 1966 and again when his son, Tim, was born in 1967. A military family, they moved frequently, living in many places around Germany and the United States before Dave's retirement from the Army in 1979. At the end of his military career, Dave again chose a life of service, enrolling in the Gilroy police academy, where he won both the top academic award as well as the top marksmen award. The Bradford family moved home to Etna, where they settled down. Dave served as the Chief of Police for 18 years.
To his family and community, Dave was known for his kindness and gentle demeanor. His sense of humor was bright and he would always be there for a person in need. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. As a community leader in Scott Valley, Dave was a generous member of the Masonic Lodge and Lions Club. He was the local gunsmith who worked on just about everyone's firearms in Scott Valley. When it came to his family, his country, and his community, Dave truly dedicated his life to serving others and he will be missed.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Milburn and Mary Kay, and his daughter, Sandy.
Dave is loved and survived by his wife Winni, his son Tim, his daughter-in-law Dana, his grandson Trey, his grandson Ty, his granddaughter-in-law Berenice, his great grandson Matthew, his sister-in law Ute and family. Finally, he is survived by the community of Scott Valley.
A celebration of Dave's life will be held graveside at Etna Cemetery on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.