John Luther Bradford

John Luther “J.L.” Bradford, 91, of Nashville, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Nashville, Arkansas. He was born January 20, 1935, in Nashville, Arkansas the son of the late Thomas Luther “Mack” Bradford and Lucy Jane Cornish Bradford.

He moved to Indiana in 1951 with his best friend Ray Hedrick working for the tomato harvest in Bluffton and worked for the Libby Company.

In the spring of 1953 he returned to Southwest, Arkansas and married the love of his life Virginia Crawford on April 7, 1953, in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. They moved to Bluffton, Indiana, and had two daughters. Later they moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he worked for American Hoist & Derrick Company for twenty years. While there he worked on many projects that are still used around the world today. Including to help build and design the crawler cranes for the construction of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. J.L. also worked on another large project enlarging the gates of the Panama Canal. After twenty-five years in Indiana, they returned to home in Nashville, Arkansas where they built there dream home and lived there for fifty years. He worked for Clear Creek Tie and Sawmill, until he retired in May 1997.

J.L. lived a full and adventurous life throughout his many years. He was a construction engineer and craftsman of many trades; he built the three houses for his family on the twelve acres of land he was so proud of. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and working with David on his many coin operated amusement machines.

One of the last highlights of his life was able to see the Indiana Hoosiers become the National Champions in football in 2026.

He was married to the love of his life Virgina Rhae Crawford for forty-nine years and preceded him in death in 2002. Additionally, he is preceded in death by seven brothers, Rufus “Buster” Bradford, Jewel McClure, Edwin Bradford, Wayne Bradford, Larkin Bradford, Junior Bradford, RV Bradford: five sisters Shirley Bradford, Ruby McDaniel, Elsie Lakey, Linda Hockaday, and Betty Kibodeaux.

Survivors include his daughter Nancy Bevill; grandsons David Hohenstein (Tamara), Shaun Lee (Katie) and Daniel Stuard (Katherine). One surviving sister Patsy Whitehead, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is survived by his miniature horse Star, lovingly he called her The Pony. Many of the grandchildren remember riding her with grandads help.

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 13, at Latimer Funeral Home in Nashville.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 14, at Latimer Funeral Home in Nashville, with Randy Bradford officiating, burial to follow in Academy Cemetery in Nathan under the direction of Latimer Funeral Home in Nashville.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Dierksen Hospice and the staff for the incredible care that was given to J.L., Tina, Jade and Stephanie Thank You,

He enjoyed every moment he got to spend with you. Thank you, Dr. Clay Ferguson, for all you did for the care and support of Mr. Bradford.

Pallbearers include William Whitehead, Thomas Whitehead, Mark White, Jason White, Randy Bradford and David Bradford.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Red White, John Hohenstein, Jamie Hedrick, Star the Pony, Ray Finley and Dallas Sweeden.

You may send an online sympathy message at www.latimerfuneralhome.com

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