Louis Arnold "Brad" Bradford

Louis Arnold "Brad" Bradford, Jr., of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on July 25, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born on April 29, 1948, in Ferriday, Louisiana, Brad was the beloved son of Louis Arnold Bradford Sr. and Billie Frances Cox Bradford.

While Brad's accomplishments were many, those who loved him will remember something even greater, his ability to light up a room with laughter and his genuine way of making every person feel important. He never met a stranger, and his warmth, quick wit, and gift for storytelling left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Whether he was sharing stories from his military service, offering advice from a lifetime of leadership, or simply making those around him laugh, Brad had a way of making everyone feel welcome and seen.

Brad proudly served his country in the United States Army Special Forces, the Green Berets, during two tours in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 and again from 1971 to 1972. During his service, he served with the highly classified Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), an elite special operations unit that conducted some of the most demanding and dangerous missions of the Vietnam War. His courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to those around him earned him a battlefield commission to the rank of Captain, one of the military's highest expressions of confidence in a soldier's leadership under combat conditions. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry for his distinguished service and valor.

Following his military service, Brad built an accomplished career spanning more than three decades in the construction industry. He retired after 22 years with Babcock & Wilcox Construction Company as General Manager of Eastern Operations. Throughout his career, he also served as a Construction Manager, Project Manager, Superintendent, and Boilermaker, earning the admiration and respect of colleagues throughout the industry.

Brad believed that the strongest organizations were built on mutual respect. Passionate about fostering communication between labor and management, he devoted countless hours to advancing training, safety, and professionalism within the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. He served as a Trustee on the National MOST Committee for more than 14 years, as Vice Chairman and Trustee of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers National Apprenticeship Board for 12 years, and as a member of the National Tripartite Committee.

Even after retirement, Brad's commitment to the Boilermakers continued. He remained a trusted consultant to the organization for many years, working alongside its leadership to strengthen programs that improved the health, safety, and training of Boilermakers across North America. Among his proudest professional achievements was authoring the Boilermakers' Code of Conduct, a lasting reflection of the values he embodied throughout his life: integrity, accountability, professionalism, and respect. His leadership and vision will continue to influence generations of Boilermakers to come.

Despite a lifetime of remarkable accomplishments, Brad was happiest spending time with beloved wife Elizabeth and those he loved. Whether gathered around a dinner table, catching up with old friends, golfing, spending time on his boat, or meeting someone new, he had an unmatched ability to make people feel like they belonged. His stories always delivered with perfect timing, humor, and just enough embellishment to keep everyone laughing are legendary among family and friends. He leaves behind not only memories of an extraordinary life, but also countless moments of laughter that those who knew him will carry forever.

Brad is survived by his devoted wife, Elizabeth Anne Bradford, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever carry his love, guidance, and hilarious stories in their hearts.

Brad's life was one of service to his country, profession, and to the people who were fortunate enough to know him. His courage, generosity, humor, and unwavering love leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all whose lives he touched.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 - 11:00 AM Friday, July 31, 2026, in the Maryville Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home, 2200 S. Fraser St, Georgetown, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM in the chapel. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow in the Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church Graveyard, 1633 Waverly Rd, Pawleys Island.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Brad's honor via https://t2t.org/.