William Gerald Bradford, 75, of Midland, TX went to be with our Lord on September 20, 2016. He was born October 30, 1940 in Vernon, TX to William Freeman and Lorene Boman Bradford. He was raised in Margaret and graduated from high school in Crowell TX. On March 23, 1963 he married Patsy Ann Braziel of Quanah TX.Gerald lived his life with a sense of honor and duty. He never cowered or faltered in the face of difficult situations. He knew who he was and understood the value of hard work and integrity. In Alaska he served in the United States Army. Gerald then carried that mission to serve and protect with him through an honorable 30 year career with the Texas Department of Public Safety. In 1993 he retired as a Lieutenant of Narcotics. Any of his grandkids will tell you that some of their fondest memories of him are riding his tractor and sitting in his lap. No one was just a friend and everyone who entered his home was family. He would get up early and prepare food for many then sit and tell jokes around the table all night. He was not only well loved but highly respected by everyone he met. Above all he loved his wife Patsy with all of his heart. Their love was one that will never be forgotten by the family and friends they leave behind. It will now continue forever as they are reunited in the kingdom of our Lord.He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 50 years. He is survived by his son Preston Todd and Deana Bradford of Wylie TX, daughter Nicole and Bobby Houston of Midland and daughter Brooke Isaacks of Houston. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kesley Sams, Kacii Houston Chimalpopoca, Brittany Bradford Ward and Troy Ward, Kendra Houston, Devan Bradford, Denim Isaacks, Stephany Bradford, Kaylan Jauer and Josh Jauer and sixteen great-grandchildren. Additionally Gerald is survived by his brother Ron Bradford and Mary Helen of Dallas, TX and sister Jo Nell James and Gary James of Stephenville, TX.A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel in Midland TX. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Texas Narcotics Officers Assoc. Scholarship Fund, 1790 Lee Trevino DR, Suite #505 El Paso, Texas 79936, 915-629-0055 In memory of William Gerald Bradford.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
