GW Bradford Jr., 75, of Washington, IL, passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

He was born on June 21, 1949 in Memphis, TN to GW and Ludie Bradford.

GW married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer Martin, on October 3, 1969. Together, GW and Jennifer created an amazing life together and a beautiful family consisting of four children, ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, plus three more on the way.

For over 30 years, he worked as an Ironworker out of Local 112 working on local buildings, bridges, and windmills.

A true family man, he loved spending time with his family. From family vacations in Florida, to family cookouts, to fishing trips with his kids; he cherished every moment spent with family.

While he will always be remembered as a loving family man, GW was best known for telling goofy jokes. There was never a day or time where he wouldn't have some type of joke up his sleeve, ready to make you laugh. It didn't matter if it was a new joke he had never told before or a joke he had told you a million times, he would never fail to make you laugh.

He was an avid handyman, fisherman, joke-teller and member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.

GW is survived by his wife Jennifer Bradford; three of his children Paul (Jennifer) Bradford, Amy (Jonathan) Beckner, and Rachel (Matthew) Bradford; nine grandchildren, Aubhrey Bradford, Mercedes (Kain) Hoeniges, Katelin (Shane) Moses, Madison (Terry) Reisbig, Chelsie (Michael) Thompson, Chloe (Zac) Schuster, Charity Bradford, Myles Reisbig, and Kali Bradford; eight great-grandchildren, Rebecca Bradford, Alithia Bradford, Alaina Schuster, Sienna Moses, Emery Schuster, Zara Moses, Mya Miller, Matilda Miller and three others on the way; one sister, Sharron Hougham; and son-in-law, Chad Reisbig.

GW was preceded in death by his parents, GW and Ludie Bradford; his beloved daughter, Sara Reisbig; and his grandson, Brennan Bradford.

GW was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all.

In the words of our favorite jokester: "PARTY ON!"

Cremation has been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Northern Tazewell Rescue Squad.