Clavon F. Bradford, Jr., considered retirement for more than a year before making his last long-distance haul this past winter. Maneuvering his monstrous rig through winding mountain ranges in the Dakotas and desolate, narrow highways in the Midwest wasn’t his job – it was his passion. Clavon understood perfectly the magnitude of his work during his 27 years as a long distance truck driver. With each gear shift and every wide turn, he delivered the goods and services that fed and fueled America. Tracey, his wife of nearly 30 years, said “It felt good knowing he could provide the things people need and want – all delivered by truck.” Clavon, an Akron native and a 1978 Buchtel High School graduate, Clavon was first employed at Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation in Akron for 18 years, before pursuing his passion of long-distance truck driving. He graduated from the driving school at the top of his class.

After enjoying 27 years as a long distance truck drive, he finally surrendered to retirement in early January 2024. It was time for the former bodybuilder and football star to focus on fitness, fun, family and adventurous treks with Tracey. Clavon, just one month into retirement, went home to the Lord at age 65 on February 16, 2024, and he and Tracey always envisioned themselves traveling around the globe to places such as Paris. They talked about spending more time together and finally being able to enjoy doing things he would have more time to do, such as fishing, playing bass guitar and sports. “You always think you have more time,” his wife said. His booming, contagious laugh lifted everyone’s spirits. The easy manner in which he disarmed the most cantankerous people was amazing. His outgoing, engaging personality brought joy to others. His laugh, though, was uniquely Clavon, and he was uniquely loving, loud, compassionate, diligent, considerate, generous, and funny.

“Clavon was an authentic and candidly transparent friend. To know him was to love and laugh long and loudly with him,” said Johnny Williams of Cleveland, his dear friend of more than 50 years. “I loved him like a brother. He called my parents, mom and dad up until the day of his passing.” Williams said he even had a hand in introducing Clavon and Tracey to each other. “I will keep his memory alive by loving deeply, laughing loudly and yes, even crying at the loss of my friend”. He had a laugh and smile that will be truly missed. Clavon loved football, and he wasn’t ashamed to put his Cleveland Browns sign in his front yard. He didn’t need football to occupy his mind. He leaned on his music, playing the bass guitar. He would squeeze in the time to fish; something he did religiously as a kid growing up on Akron’s west side. One family member recalled that “He was very fortunate to know and develop his passions early in life…sports, bass guitar,
fishing, and long distance truck driving. He’s been to every state in the lower continental.” Clavon’s payloads took him from the seaports of New England to the Badlands of the Midwest to the Pacific coast.

For Clavon, each journey was an adventure unlike any other. While the road had become his second home, he would always tell friends there was nothing like being home in Ohio. Tracey stated, “I never went with him on any of his long-distance road trips, too high up, too fast, too scary.” Clavon, who starred as center for the Griffins while playing for Hall of Fame coach Mike Buckner, didn’t have a persona to match his intimidating physique. He was truly a gentle giant. “Clavon was a gentleman, yet tenacious,” Buckner said. “Our team was a family, and Clavon fit in perfectly. He was a pugnacious player even though he was unusually tall for a center. He always did what was asked of him, and then some. Like most of my players, he was a son I never had. He was an awesome and positive role model — he’s why we all went to church on Sundays.” In January, Clavon purposed to get into good shape with the determination that enabled him to earn All-City honors and consistently contend in and win bodybuilding competitions. So, he committed to going to the gym mostly every day. He shaved off 10 pounds, and was on his way to accomplishing his goals. Tracey said. “He was most grateful to God”.

Clavon, a faithful member of the House of the Lord in Akron, was preceded in death by his father Clavon F. Bradford, Sr., mother Martha E. Bradford, son Jason Bradford, grandparents Willie and Juanita Turney; Alex and Luella Bradford, sister Charlene Neulin, and special cousin Brent Wade. Clavon leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and dedicated wife Tracey Bradford; children Trinity Ann Miller, Clavon F. Bradford III, Brooke Naomia Bradford. Sisters Carolyn Bradford-Smith and Toni Bradford; grandchildren, Tasheana, Edwin Jr., Kyleah; great grandchildren Gino, Geana, Legend, Legacy; special cousins, Stacie Stiggers and Devell Sales and a host of special nieces, special nephews, family and friends.
Clavon Bradford leaves a legacy of a life well lived