Pastor Richard Arnold Bradford received his Golden Crown in Glory on Thursday, April 19, 2018. Pastor Bradford was the youngest of 13 children born to Alex and Luella Bradford on August 19, 1930 in Oil City, Louisiana. Pastor Bradford and his family migrated from Oil City, Louisiana ,under the leadership of the Late Bishop C. A. Ashworth in 1944. He became a member of Rhodes Ave. Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.). Years later, the church moved to 355 Wooster Ave. and was named Wooster Avenue Temple C.O.G.I.C. now known as St. Ashworth Temple C.O.G.I.C. While continually and humbly serving the Lord, Pastor Bradford served in many capacities;  Deacon, Minister, Men’s Club President,  Mentor, Sunday School and Y.P.W.W. Teacher, Elder and Pastor. He faithfully served as the Assistant Pastor to the late Bishop C. A. Ashworth and the late Supt. Emeritus Louis C. Walker. He was also the State Minister of Music of Ohio North Jurisdiction under the late Bishop R.S. Fields.

Pastor Bradford came to know the Lord and was saved at the young age of 11. He attended Akron Public Schools and also attended the University Of Akron. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Pastor Bradford accepted his call to the ministry at the age of 33 and preached his first sermon at the age of 36 where his father accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior during the altar call.

Pastor Bradford retired from B.F Goodrich after 35 years of service. He also retired from Marvin Wollins Furniture after 25 years. He was employed and ministered to bereaved families through the Stewart & Calhoun Funeral Home for many years.  A special bond was formed during those years at the funeral home. He loved working with the Stewarts and the Calhouns, along with the many families during his tenure.

On June 18, 1961, a magnificent event took place in Pastor Bradford’s life. He married the love of his life, Ida M. Rogers. Their relationship was the epitome of a married couple’s love. From this union was born two children, Adrienne and Andre. Pastor and Lady Bradford always showed unconditional love to their family and taught them to love God and others.

Pastor Bradford, affectionately known as Brother Richard, Uncle Richard and Pastor Daddy, was a very humble, hard- working and dedicated servant of God. He served as Minister of Music at St. Ashworth Temple C.O.G.I.C. (the one and only church where he held membership) for decades. During this time, he became very well known throughout Akron, surrounding communities, the state of Ohio and across the country. His God given ministry of singing, preaching and playing the organ and piano under the anointing of the Holy Ghost, has blessed innumerable people everywhere. Pastor Bradford was appointed to the office of Pastor of St. Ashworth Temple Church of God in Christ on October 14, 2008.

How you saw Pastor Bradford out in public was exactly how he was behind closed doors. He had a heart for God’s people by displaying characteristics of Christ. His charisma, style and joyful appeal undeniably influenced the lives of everyone around him.

Pastor Richard A.Bradford was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Luella; and his 12 siblings: Alzona, Arthur Lee, Benzene, Clavon, Jeffrey, Jim, Leola, Lonzo, Mattie Mae, Stella, Sufern and William. 

He leaves to cherish his memory the love of his life, happily married for, 57 years, Ida Mae Bradford; his devoted and loving children, Adrienne Bradford-Griffin and Andre (Carla) Bradford; three lovely granddaughters, Tayler Griffin; Sarah Bradford and Cartonia Spear; god-children, Rochelle Curry and Anthony Williams; god-grandson, Dustin Claridy; Sister-in-law, Shirley Bradford; numerous dedicated nieces and nephews; St. Ashworth Temple C.O.G.I.C. family and countless family and friends.