Joel Eugene Bradford

Joel Eugene Bradford, 81, of Little Rock, passed away September 24, 2022. He was born in Piggott to Glover Eugene and Neva Carmen Cox Bradford who predeceased him along with an infant brother. He was a true “bargain hunter,” happiest at estate sales and auctions or when he was with his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.  He was a computer programmer and a member of Chenal Valley Baptist Church.

Joel is survived by his wife of 41 years, Rita Forrest Bradford; daughters, Peggy Vaughan (Alan) of Bryant and Sandy Trantham (Troy) of Benton; sisters, Ella Jean Mack of Piggott and Lyn Benson (Dan) of Tyler, Texas; brother, Mel Bradford (Jackie) of Little Rock; grandchildren, Kristen Dodderer (Derek) of Garland, Texas, Jared Vaughan (Alex) of Benton, Tanner Trantham (Audra) of Brevard, North Carolina and Kayce Trantham (Justin Lee), of Benton; great-grandchildren, Lilah, Amelia, Theodore, and one on the way, Huitt; and a host of wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Briarwood Rehab, Avenir Memory Care and Hospice Comfort Care for their loving care of Joel.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 29 from 5-7 p.m. at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. His funeral service will be Friday, September 30 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by interment at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander. Pastor Allen Morton will officiate. Pallbearers are Tanner Trantham, Jared Vaughan, Troy Trantham, Alan Vaughan, Mel Bradford, and Justin Lee. Honorary pallbearers are Tom Mitchell, Vernon Dutton, Leon Morton, Gerald Vines, David Karlheim, Rick Williams, and Arnold Sanford.

Memorials may be made to Chenal Valley Baptist Church, 1800 Rahling Rd., Little Rock, AR 72223 (chenalvalleybaptist.org).