Rev. Herbert Ray Bradford

Rev. Herbert Ray Bradford peacefully passed away at home in Jonesville, Louisiana, on January 31, 2025. He was born on March 16, 1938, in Catahoula Parish.

A Funeral Service will be held for Herbert on Saturday, February 8, 2025, in the First Pentecostal Church in Melville (112 Fontenot St, Melville, LA 71353) at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held in the church beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.

A Memory Service will be held for Rev. Herbert Bradford on Sunday, February 9, 2025, in the Pine Grove Baptist Church in Jena, Louisiana (978 Blade Loop, Jena, LA 71342) at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held in the church beginning at 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Pine Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

He taught and directed a seventy-piece orchestra in Melville, La. He taught countless students to play brass and woodwinds across the states, including directing the orchestra at FPC of Starks. For 30 years, Herbert served as an assistant pastor at the First Pentecostal Church in Melville, Louisiana, to Rev. Ray Majors, here he touched the lives of countless individuals through his unwavering dedication and compassion. His profound faith and commitment to the communities inspired many. Prior to that, he was the assistant pastor to Rev. A.L. O’Brien in Starks, Louisiana. He taught American History and was assistant principal at Starks High School for 22 years.

Herbert pursued his education, earning his master’s degree from McNeese University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This academic achievement underscored his lifelong passion for learning and personal growth, enriching not only his life but also the lives of those he served.

Herbert is survived by his daughter, Gwendalyn Bradford, of Jonesville, Louisiana and his son, Wendell Bradford, and his wife, Rachel, of Sulphur, Louisiana. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Tyler Spell, Camden Bradford, and Katlyn Bradford, who brought him immense joy and pride. He is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Ruby Hair, Grace Hudnall and Maxine Hodges.

Herbert was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Martha Sue Bynog Bradford; his parents, Clyde and Pergie Brooks Bradford; his sister, Nancy Bradford Burns; his brother, Walter Bradford; and his grandson, Matt Spell. 

Herbert Ray Bradford will be remembered as a pillar of faith, family, and community—a life dedicated to service, education, and love. His profound impact will resonate in the hearts of those he engaged, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com. 

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.