Born on January 6, 1966, to James and Mae Calahan Bradford in Jonesboro, LA, Roderick James Bradford was always a trailblazer.

Roderick accepted Christ at a young age at Pleasant Grove Missionary Church. After relocating to Vicksburg, he became a member of Calvary Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon.

Roderick graduated from Jonesboro Hodge High School in 1983, at just 17 years old. After completing high school, he headed to Baton Rouge, LA, to attend Louisiana State University. Roderick then decided to take a break from college and enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Wichita Falls, Texas. After his tour in the Air Force, he graduated from Grambling State University.

On March 12, 2005, Roderick became a proud member of Omega Psi Phi. He pledged with the Gamma Omicron Chapter in Minden, Louisiana, earning the line name “Flatline” because he fell asleep standing straight up while on line. As the Deuce (Number 2), he brought his own unique energy and heart to the brotherhood, sealing a lifelong bond with “Da Bruhz!”

Roderick was a leader, educator, and coach. He had a career in management with Walmart, AutoZone, and CapitalOne Bank. In 2016, CapitalOne Bank relocated him to Vicksburg, MS. Roderick transitioned to Housing Director for the City of Vicksburg until his untimely demise. It was while in Vicksburg that he met his wife, Marilyn Bradford (whom he affectionately called “My Bride”). They happily married on June 15, 2019.

Roderick was the life of the party—if he was around, a good time was guaranteed. He had a knack for turning an ordinary day into an adventure. Roderick was also a Pit Master and will be remembered for his awesome turkey necks and homemade BBQ sauce.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mae Calahan Bradford; his maternal grandfather, Elder Lonnie Calahan; and his paternal grandparents, Mattie Esther and Leamon Bradford (Annie D).

Roderick leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Ragan Bradford; children William Bradford (Jessica), and Kiara Bradford, Bonus Children: LaQuita Reed (Rodrick), Jazmine Neal, Kayla Neal, Kihron Bristol, Joni Bristol, and Warren Johnson (Kermetria); his father, James E. Bradford; and his sisters, Berkita Bradford and D’Andra Odom (Brandon); his maternal grandmother, Eva Mae Calahan. His” favorite” Aunt (the ride-or-die aunt) Mary Hoover, eighteen grandchildren, one great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, family, and friends. As an adult, he adopted the Charles and Van Williams family as his “god family.”

God hath not promised skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through, God hath not promised sun without rain, joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God hath promised strength for the day, Rest for the labor, light for the way, Grace for the trials,