Samuel Markham Bradford, "Sam/Sammy", 78, of Guyton, Ga. passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026 after a long illness with frontotemporal dementia with aphasia at Spanish Oaks Retreat. The Fayetteville, N.C. native was a member of the Church at Godley Station in Savannah. He had such sweet smile that would brighten your day.

He is a graduate of Fayetteville Senior High School and was an avid and outstanding baseball player, playing second base for the Bulldogs.

An Army Vietnam Veteran, CW2, he served with honor and distinction with the Second Brigade of the 101st "Screaming Eagles Division". Samuel was a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

He retired as an air traffic controller with the FAA Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center in Hilliard, Fla. after 33 years of service. When not working, he enjoyed fishing golfing and time spent with his family at the coast.

His parents, Thomas Eli and Annie Lee Bradford preceded him in death along with his brother, James "J.D." Bradford.

Survivors are his wife of 43 years, Valerie McCall Bradford of Guyton; a daughter, Heather Bradford (Brian) Stolpa of Parkton, N.C.; a grandson, Hayden Stolpa; a brother, Tommy L. (Linda) Bradford of Fayetteville, N.C.; a sister-in-law, Christie McCall of Savannah; a brother-in-law, Rob (Beth) McCall of Odum; several nieces and nephews.

Graveside funeral services will be 11 AM Thursday, February 5, 2026 in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Darren Thomas officiating along with the U.S. military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials, the family requests donations to the Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration "AFTD", 2700 Horizon Drive, Suite 120, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.