James "Paul" Radford

1931 - 2025

James "Paul" Radford

September 29, 1931 - November 16, 2025

James "Paul" Radford, 94 years of age from Ferrum, Va. passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Paul was born in Franklin County on September 29, 1931 to the late Lewis Paul and Lera Scott Radford. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his son, James Paul Radford Jr.; his brother, C.L Radford; sisters, Jean Tatum and Frances Waugh. Paul is survived by his wife of 70 years, Hettie Cooper Radford; daughter, Cathy Zernhelt (John); grandson, John Paul Zernhelt (Tiffany); great-granddaughters, Ela and Wren; sisters, Audrey Mitchell and Louise Jackson.

Paul was a man who lived his life to the fullest; he proudly served in the United States Army in the Korean War where he received the Bronze Star Metal, Good Conduct Metal, Korean Service Metal with 2 Bronze Service Stars and The United Nations Metal. Paul, along with Hettie, built and ran the 77 Restaurant before running Paul's BBQ in Ferrum, all the while racing short tracks from New York to Florida wheeling his way to over 200 victories. Paul, aka "Ferrum Flash", won the Dogwood 500 in 1977. Paul was one of only two to ever accomplish winning both the modified and sportsman races in the same day. As competitive as he was, he was a humble man, giving credit where credit was due.

While a legend on the track, it never compared to the love he had for family and friends. His eyes would light up at the sight of a child and then play time was on!!! After losing his son, Paul Jr. he filled the hole in his heart by sharing his love of hunting with Chris Prillaman with Charlie Mitchell in tow. Never tiring when trying to drive the deer their way. He shared his love of fishing with his Grandson, JP, making memories that would last a lifetime. Great-Granddaughter's, Ela and Wren, were the light of his later years, reading, coloring and playing hide-and-seek. All the while, the love of his life, Hettie was by his side doing her best to keep everyone out of trouble!

Paul's love of life never faded. He was a doer; whether gardening, cutting wood, capturing wildlife on camera, or working the tractor, he kept himself busy. And if you stopped by, he would certainly find something for you to do!

The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and generosity. Please keep us in your prayers in the days ahead. Special thanks to Charles "Red" Huff, Bill and Sherri Mitchell, the Baker Bunch, the Prillaman Clan, and Jewel Dudley (and that she is).

Family will receive friends on Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, Rocky Mount, VA. A service celebrating Paul's life will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Flora Funeral Chapel. A private interment will be at a later time.