Julius "Fred" Bradshaw

"Be still, and know that I am God." – Psalm 46:10

Julius Fredrick "Fred" Bradshaw, age 78, of Knightdale, North Carolina, passed away on March 16, 2026, just twelve days shy of his 79th birthday.

The family welcomes all who would like to attend a visitation and service on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Beacon Baptist Church, 2110 Trawick Road, Raleigh, NC 27604. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 12:00 noon. Immediately following the service, the family will have a private graveside service at Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh, NC.

Fred was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Reuben Bona Bradshaw and Ila Mae (Pope) Bradshaw and was raised in Wendell alongside his sisters, Linda and Shirley. He graduated from Vaiden Whitley High School and later earned an associate degree in Business Administration while attending night school.

Fred is survived by his devoted wife, Peggy Jean (Morgan) Bradshaw. Fred and Peggy were high school sweethearts and were married in 1966. After beginning their life together in Wendell, they moved to Knightdale in 1975, where they built a life centered on faith and family. Their daughter, Kimberly Jo, was born in 1969, followed by their son, Patrick Shawn, in 1974.

Fred loved his family deeply and led them with a strong faith in the Lord. He and Peggy cherished watching their family grow and were blessed with their son-in-law, Doug Campbell, and daughter-in-law, Laura Bradshaw. He was a proud grandfather to Dylan (Samantha), Brannden (Taylor), Garrett (Ashleigh), Chloe (Gage), and Madison (Danny), and a great-grandfather to Brody, Colt, Tucker, Walker, Wrynleigh, and Nash, with two more great-grandchildren expected in the coming months.

Fred honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Though married in 1966, he was drafted in 1967 and served two years.

He faithfully served in many roles at First Free Will Baptist Church, now Beacon Baptist Church. His service included teaching junior boys' Sunday School alongside Marvin Williams for many years, driving for the bus ministry, helping with Reformers Unanimous, assisting in the prison ministry, singing in the choir, serving as an usher, and contributing on the general board.

Fred had a deep love for studying God's Word. In recent years, he especially enjoyed his Wednesday morning Bible study group that met at 6:00 a.m. at Bojangles-where he rarely missed his biscuit and coffee.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bona Bradshaw; his mother, Ila Mae Bradshaw; and his sisters: Linda Parrish and Shirley Lee.

Fred's work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit were evident throughout his career. He was the owner of Raleigh Carpet Outlet and Interiors and later worked in commercial tire sales, where he eventually retired.

Fred lived a life marked by faith, dedication, and love for his family and community.

Though Fred endured many years of health challenges and surgeries-most notably his lung transplant in 2018-he faced each trial with strength and unwavering faith. Today, he has received his ultimate healing and a new body through his victory in Jesus Christ. While our hearts grieve his absence, we rejoice in the assurance that he is whole, at peace, and in the presence of his Savior.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Building Fund at Beacon Baptist Church in honor of Fred.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7