Victory Funeral Services

12/18/2025

Mrs. Eva Gipson Mills

Funeral services for Eva Wells Gipson Mills, 79, of Kilgore, Texas, will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Faith Tabernacle of God in Christ with Pastor Tracy Colbert as officiant and Rev. James Bell as eulogist. Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore is in charge of the services.

Eva Mae, more affectionately known by most as Patsy, was born in Galveston, Texas, on July 13, 1946, to the parentage of B. K. Smith and Lillie Wells. She departed this life on December 9, 2025, at Christus Good Shepherd Emergency Center-Kilgore.

At the age of six, she united with and was baptized at Kilgore Baptist Church, and remained a faithful member until her health failed. During the years she served in the Mission, on the culinary committee, and was a driving force in getting children to Vacation Bible School.

Her early education was garnered in the Kilgore Independent School District, with graduation in the C. B. Dansby High School Class of 1965. She was an active athletic student during her high school years as an outstanding track team member and dancer on the Tigerette Drill Team. Following high school graduation, she graduated from Kilgore College, majoring in photography. She later became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Her working career included serving as a Director at Dansby Adult/Child Day Care Center, where she was responsible for most of the activities, the van service, and after-school care. She later held employment identifying health care needs in the African American community, working for the Texas Department of Health. Her final employment resulted in retirement in 1999 from Sabine Valley Regional Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center, performing duties in respite care.

Always busy in the community meeting her civic duty, she volunteered tirelessly advocating for election and voting rights in Gregg County and nationally.

Her grandfather, Dick Wells, grandmother, Cora Lala, her husband, Samuel L. “Goober” Alexander, her daughter, Darlene Emeadi, son, Mack Wells, grandson, Gregory Williams, sisters, Mattie D. Pentecost, and Maria Pentecost Daniels and her brother, Willie “Scatman” Smith, all preceded her in death.

Left to mourn her passing are her children, Cheryl Gipson, Aaron Gipson, Theresia Wells and Kasandra Wells all of Kilgore, TX; grandchildren, Demetrius Wells, Kimberly Wells Jones, Lawrence Emeadi, Jr., Kenneth Emeadi, O’Quincy Hall, Claire Hall, Princess Hall, Jimmy Edwards, Beloved Tremina, John Sanders, Jr., Samuel Gipson, Alexis Gipson, Lillie Gipson Hensley, Matthew Gipson, Makai Gipson, Madison Gipson, Taneqia Gipson, Wesley Williams, Ja’Marcus Gipson, Vanessa Gipson, Gabrielle Wells and Kiara Wells; nephew, Paul Cornett and niece, Princess Gail Pentecost; goddaughter, Melissa “Boo” Colbert, godsons, Rev. James Bell and Freddy D. Wallace, Jr. all of Kilgore, TX; special friends, Pastor Ella Mae Walker, De’Lores P. Arline, Denise Speech, Shirley Fortson, and Tonya Seseveda, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025 at Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore, Texas.

11/28/2025

11/11/2025

Mrs. Luella Louise Williams

Viewing services for Mrs. Luella Louise Williams, 89, of Kilgore, Texas, will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 1 p.m., at Victory Funeral Services. Victory Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Luella was born to her parents, Henderson and Pearlie Lee Collins Bryant, on Saturday, August 5, 1936, in Jefferson, Texas. She was called from this world on November 2, 2025, to join her other loved ones in Glory after an extended illness at The Willows of Kilgore Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

In her youth, she was baptized and united with First Community Church in Harleton, Texas. Later in life, she joined Macedonia Baptist Church in Overton, Texas, under the leadership of Rev. Leslie Smith.

She received her education in the Harleton Independent School District, ending the journey at Macedonia High School.

Her working career consisted of employment in private homes. When not working, she enjoyed painting, crafts, and watching television. She was known as a loving and caring person who was considerate of everyone.

Her parents and one daughter, Sarah Jefferson Jones, preceded her in death.

Left to mourn her passing are her sisters, Al Jewel Lewis of Houston, TX; Nancy Hamilton and Elaine Johnson both of Dallas, TX; two brothers, Cyrus Bryant of Marshall, TX and Jimmy Bryant of Arlington, TX; three grandchildren, Wilbert Jones, Jr. of Houston, TX; Shannon Jones of Austin, TX; and Roshundra Jones, and many other relatives and friends.

11/05/2025

Mrs. Mae Ella Haynes Colbert Kennedy

Funeral services for Mae Ella Kennedy, 87, of Kilgore, Texas, will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 1 p.m., at St. Luke’s Methodist Church, 401 East Main Street, Kilgore, Texas. Her son, Pastor Tracy Colbert, will serve as eulogist, and District Elder Alan Pollard will officiate. Burial will follow in Kilgore Memorial Gardens. Victory Funeral Services in Kilgore is in charge of the services.

Mae Ella, more lovingly known by family and friends as “Sister” or “Sister Haynes”, was born in Sexton City, Texas, in Rusk County on February 17, 1938, to the parentage of Thomas Eugene and Willie Mae Brown Haynes. She departed this life surrounded by her loved ones on October 29, 2025, from Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas.

In her early years, she held memberships at Harmony Pirtle Baptist Church, Kilgore Baptist Church, Bates Memorial CME, and Union Baptist Church. She later served as Treasurer, worked in the Missionary Department, culinary and custodial staff, and sang in the Mission Choir at Prince of Peace Church (later named Faith Christian Church), and she concluded her earthly service to the Lord at House of Prayer.

Her education was garnered in the Starr Bailey School System in the Leveretts Chapel area in Rusk County, Texas. After completion of school, she entered the workforce, holding positions at Smith Brother Egg Farm, and as a cook at The Chuck Wagon Café, and The Wagon Wheel Café. She also had employment performing private sitting work for the Cashen and Laird families.

After many years of nose to the grindstone work to support her family, she began to really enjoy fishing and gardening in the fall and winter of her life.

In her younger years, she was married to Willie James Colbert and later wed Bennie Kennedy.

Her parents, her husband, Bennie Kennedy, her daughters, Janice Colbert Mumphrey, Felix Colbert Pittman, and Veronica Colbert, grandchildren, Veronica Denise Williams, and Kenneth Shepherd, her great-grandchildren, Tamarion Colbert, Sakia' Williams, and Aysia Starks, her siblings, R. V. Haynes, Tommy Haynes, Larry Haynes, Ola Lacy, Jewel Hazel Jackson, and Rose Mary Haynes, all preceded her in death.

Those to mourn her passing are her children, Paul Colbert, Bruce Lacy, Sylvia Williams, Gale Johnson and her husband, Tommy, Tracy Colbert and his wife, Bonnie, Jimmy Colbert and his wife, Brenda, Joann Smith and her husband, Charles, Tyrone Colbert, Stacy Coleman and her husband, Bervin, Tonya Pollard and her husband, Alan, Benny Colbert, Mae Ella Colbert, Joseph Colbert, Charzell Moreland, and her husband, Walter, and Benji Colbert; bonus children, Gregory Kennedy and his wife, Amanda, and Comelita Nicholson and her husband, Michael.

Her surviving siblings who will always cherish her are JoAnn Haynes Kennard and her husband, Jimmy, Roy Haynes, Donnie Haynes and his wife, Francis, Billie Sue Haynes, and Cleo Haynes.

To continue her legacy, she leaves 66 grandchildren, 124 great-grandchildren, and 107 great-great-grandchildren.

To never be forgotten by special friends she held close to her heart, Ella Mae Walker, Vergie Lee Kennedy, Eva Mae “Patsy” Gipson, Mae Tyeskie, Latricia Wafer, and Shirley Kennedy; and god-daughter, De’Lores P. Arline.

Viewing will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore, Texas.

11/02/2025

The Official Arrangements for the Homegoing Celebration Honoring the Life and Legacy of Pastor Danny E. Craig, Sr.

10/16/2025

Funeral services for Margie Don Williams Kennedy, of Kilgore, Texas, will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at noon at Church on Purpose, 1101 Pine Tree Road, Longview, Texas, with Rev. Nicholas Lawson as officiant and Pastor Eric Love as eulogist. Burial will follow at Kennedy-Butts Cemetery in Kilgore, Texas. Victory Funeral Services in Kilgore is in charge of the services.

Margie was born on Friday, August 14, 1936, to the parentage of Elijah James and Annie Lee Elder Williams (Canida). She departed this life after a brief stay in hospice on October 10, 2025, in Winona, Texas.

In her youth, she united with and was baptized at Harmony Pirtle Baptist Church, where she headed up the Culinary Committee and served as an usher. Later, she united with Kilgore Baptist Church, serving as an usher and chairing the Culinary Department. In later years, she became a founding member of New Birth Fellowship and continued her service leading in the Culinary and custodial departments, and working as Vice President of the Usher Board. Her most recent and ultimate service to God was given at Church on Purpose as she served as an usher.

Tyler Independent School District hosted the early years of her education, with attendance at Dunbar Elementary School and graduation from Emmett Scott High School, where she was a member of the Rosettes and the marching band.

After high school, she attended Texas College and was first runner-up for Miss Texas College in Tyler, Texas, and later transferred to Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.

One child, Tammy, was born to her marriage to James Wesley Kennedy, and later, Reginald Sean White was born in the marriage to James Hollis White.

She leaves a strong family legacy of her daughter, Tammy Kennedy, and Ronald Looney of Troup, TX; son, Reginald Sean White of Kilgore, TX; god-son, Marc Nichols of Baton Rouge, LA, and god-daughter, Yolanda Taylor of Kilgore, TX.

A brother, Rass Riley Canida, II of Frisco, TX; four sisters, Ida Gent and her husband, Charles of Frisco, TX; Kathryn Williams of Longview, TX; Jan Juan Williams of Inglewood, CA; and Vickie Williams of Cedar Hill, TX.

Preceding her in death are her parents, grandparents, Rebecca Breedlove-Elder and Martin Elder, infant son, James Wesley Kennedy, Jr, and grandson, Brandon Keith Bagent-Kennedy, three brothers, Duffie Williams, Elijah “Chucky” Williams, and James “Skippy” Williams.

Viewing will be held at Victory Funeral Services on Friday, October 17, 2025 from 2 to 7 p.m.

09/18/2025

Mr. Troy Ladale “Trizzy” Mumphrey

Funeral services for Troy Ladale “Trizzy” Mumphrey, 48, of Kilgore, Texas, will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Faith Tabernacle of God in Kilgore, Texas, with Rev. James Peoples as eulogist. Victory Funeral Services in Kilgore is in charge of the services.

Troy, better known as Ladale, “Trizzy”, or “T-Mump” was born in Overton, Texas, on July 26, 1977, to the parentage of Wayne Joe Hamilton and Marion Estell Mumphrey and was raised by his mother and dad, Troy Lee Wheat. He departed this life on September 14, 2025, in Galveston, Texas.

In his early years, he united with and was baptized at Kilgore Baptist Church, serving in the choir under the pastorate of Rev. Gary L. Walker. He later rededicated his life and was baptized at Greater Faith Ministries, led by his cousin, Pastor Casandra Fryar. Most recently he united with St. Clark Baptist Church in Henderson, Texas, with Rev. James Peoples as his pastor.

During his childhood, he attended Kilgore Public Schools and graduated in the Kilgore High School Class of 1995. He was a standout football player donning jersey #2, playing tight-end and cornerback. He also excelled on the track team, garnering medals in the triple jump, long jump, 100-meter dash, and the sprint relay squad. His athleticism produced a football scholarship to Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas. He later earned a bachelor’s degree.

After college, he worked in the oilfield as a crane operator. When time presented itself, he delved into repairing three-wheelers. and cars as his favorite hobby along with presenting his other self, “Bad Mouth” the rapper.

He married Ginger Gipson, and no children were born to the union.

His dad, Troy Lee Wheat, brother, Patrick Mumphrey, and nephew, O’Keilon Walton, preceded him in death.

Those to mourn his passing are his mother, Marion Estell Mumphrey-Wheat of Kilgore, TX; his father, Wayne Joe Hamilton and his wife, Debra of Kilgore, TX; children, Ladarius Austin, and his wife, Janae Baggett of Kilgore, TX; Solijah Allison of Carthage, TX; Xavier Jackson of San Antonio, TX; Paisley Vaughn of Oklahoma City, OK; Chasity and Caitlyn Mullins of Magnolia, AR; and Isaiah Boston of Minden, LA; maternal sister, Jamie Mumphrey and maternal brother, Brandon Mumphrey of Overton, TX; paternal sisters, Bridgett Johnson of Kilgore, TX and Sharonica Walker of Longview, TX; paternal brother, Boris Hamilton and his wife, Qzonna of Dallas, TX; , four grandchildren, Kyran Austin, Jenna Austin, Jaisa Austin, and Izabella Boston; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore, Texas.

08/16/2025

Mrs. Savannah Faye Butts Armstrong

No public service will be held for Savannah Butts Armstrong, 81, of Kilgore, Texas, but she will be fondly remembered by friends and loved ones. Victory Funeral Services is in charge of services.

Savannah, affectionately known as Faye or "Sweet", was born the third of seven children to Thomas and Cozetta Ashcraft Butts on Thursday, October 28, 1943, in Los Angeles, California. She departed this life on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Whispering Pines Nursing Facility in Longview, Texas.

In 1964, she united with and was baptized at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Pasadena, California.

Her early education was garnered in Los Angeles public schools and John Muir High School and culminated with graduation in Kilgore, Texas, in the C. B. Dansby High School Class of 1961 where she was a member of the marching band. After graduation, she attended Prairie View A &M College. Later in 1987, she received a degree in Political Science from the University of Texas at Tyler.

Faye's working career consisted of employment in the offices of California State Senator/United States Representative Diane Watson during her tenure in office. She later held positions in banks and advertising agencies.

In her early adulthood, she was one of the original members of the Black Panther Party. She also held membership in the Chosen Few Motorcycle Club.

Being politically active in her community, she worked diligently on the campaign committee for the late President Jimmy Carter. Upon his election, she and her small son, Gavin, attended his Inauguration. Remaining true to her political leanings, she was also active in the successful campaigns of President Barack Obama.

Her parents, son, Gavin B. Russell, a grandson, Nasir Solomon, and brother, Thomas Butts, Jr., all preceded her in death.

She leaves to mourn her loss, a daughter, Sonia Brown of Longview, TX; a grandchildren, Devaughn Solomon and his wife, Keora of Longview, TX; Trenton Russell of Longview, TX; Xaviar Russell of Seattle, WA; MarQuayvion Russell of Dallas, TX; Brianna Ware of Tyler, TX; and Asha Mosley of Dallas, TX; sisters, Alpha Snell of Los Angeles, CA; Cozetta “Penny” Butts Lamore of Prescott, AZ; Mary Ann Butts of Pasadena, CA; and Helen Butts Franklin of Los Angeles, CA; brother, L. Lincoln Butts of Dallas, TX; four great-grandchildren; caretaker, Christina Cannon of Kilgore, TX; and other relatives and family.

There will be no public viewing.

The family is grateful for all expressions of love shown during this time with a special appreciation of gratitude for Christina Cannon’s beautiful provisions of care for Savannah during the time when it was most needed.

08/13/2025

Mr. Dwane “Hop Sing” Roberrtose Johnson

Memorial services for Dwane Johnson, 62, of Kilgore, Texas, will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church, Kilgore, Texas. Victory Funeral Services in Kilgore is in charge of the services.

Dwane, better known as “Hop Sing”, was born in Kilgore, Texas, on October 3, 1962, to the parentage of Joe Rogers and Johnnie Mae Jackson Johnson. He departed this life from his residence on August 3, 2025.

In his early years, he united with Westview Church of Christ and remained a member until his demise.

During his childhood, he attended Kilgore Public Schools and graduated in the Kilgore High School Class of 1981. Following graduation, he served in the U. S. Army National Guard. Before his health failed, his last work position was held with Aaon, Inc.

He greatly loved his family, his dogs, and gardening. He is being remembered by his devoted wife as a great dad, wonderful husband, and best friend who will be greatly missed.

His mother, father, brothers, Rudy Johnson and Dwight “Dikey” Johnson, uncles, Sebastian Howard, Reuben Howard, and James Jackson, and aunt, Gloria Howard, all preceded him in death.

Those to mourn his passing are his wife of 43 years, Towana Johnson of Kilgore, TX; sons, Kevin O’Neal Sheppard and Brandon O’Neal Sheppard both of Kilgore; sisters, Melinda Johnson of Kilgore; Kim Norton and her husband, Gary of Dallas, TX; Loretta Buchanan and her husband, Terry of Longview, TX; and April Ward of Kilgore; brothers, Joe Rogers Johnson, Jr., and his wife, Wylita of Houston, TX; and Brad McDonald of Kilgore; god-brother, Simmie Clement of Dallas, TX; and god-sister, Lynn Washington of Kilgore, TX; aunts, Frances Jackson Mosely of Dallas, TX; and Donna Howard of Overton, TX; ten grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

There will be no public viewing.

07/24/2025

Mrs. Yvette “Jennis” Marie Portley Clark

Funeral services for Yvette Marie Portley Clark will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at noon at True Vine Baptist Church, 702 Ironosa Road, San Augustine, Texas, with Brother Vernon Stoker, II officiating and Brother Christopher Jones as eulogist. Burial will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery in San Augustine. Arrangements are under the direction of Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore, Texas.

Yvette, affectionately known as “Jennis” to her close family and friends, was the eldest child of her siblings and was born in Longview, Texas, to the parentage of Leon “Dumas” Bell and Eloise Portley on January 2, 1952. She departed this earthly stay on July 18, 2025, from Hospice of East Texas in Tyler, Texas.

As a young girl, she was baptized and united with Kilgore Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. T. E. George, Sr. She sang in the choir, attended Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School. Later retiring to San Augustine, Texas, she attended True Vine Baptist Church. Upon her return to her native home of Kilgore due to declining health, she made her profession of faith, was baptized, and became a member of Harris Chapel Church of Christ under the leadership of Brother Willie Bradley, III.

Her early education was received at Elder Elementary School. She played the flute in the marching Tiger band of the last graduating class of C. B. Dansby High School in 1970 before full integration of Kilgore schools. Her graduation was held on a Friday night in May 1970, and being destined for big city life in Houston, Texas, she left Kilgore with her uncle, James Portley, the following morning, sealing her forever position as his favorite niece.

Once in her new city, she attended Massey Business College and received her certification as a key punch operator. Fate would have it that she met the love of her life and husband, James Willie Clark, Sr., soon after arriving in Houston. A beautiful new chapter of her life began with their marriage, and the birth of two children, Youlanda and Anthony and the combining of families with the addition of James’ six children, Chandra, Cheryl, Deborah, Wendi, Vicki, and James, Jr. Their love and devotion to each other lasted for 46 years until James’ passing in 2016.

She enjoyed attending family functions with her often taking the lead in organizing the Christmas gatherings. Having a close-knit circle of friends, she enjoyed gatherings to play cards and dancing; mastering the swing-out with James on the dance floor.

Her grandmother, Lillie Chitman, grandfather, James Portley, father, Leon Bell, mother, Eloise Portley Geter, aunts, Tessie Portley Morrow and Joyce Ann Watts, step-son, James “BooBoo” Clark, Jr., step-daughter, Vicki Clark, granddaughter, VinShera Holman, son-in-law, Robert Brachett, first cousins, James Oliver Portley, Carl Thompson, Lelia Thompson, and Edward Earl Thompson all preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her memories to a loving daughter, Youlanda Clark of Kilgore, TX; son, Anthony Clark and his wife, Laquita of Nacogdoches, TX; bonus daughters, Chandra Bass of Houston, TX; Cheryl Blow and her husband, Charles of Lancaster, TX; Deborah Flowers and her husband, Byron of Cedar Hill, TX; Wendi Brown and her husband, Kylie of Hutchins, TX; grandchildren, Alexus Pleasant, Keynnon Madlock, D’vysee’ Garrett, Adejha Clark, Avarion Clark and Ashton Clark; two great-grandchildren, Jacosky Robertson, Jr. and Isaiah Anthony Garrett; aunt, Elaine Thompson of Longview, TX; uncle, James Roy Portley and his wife, Gladys of Houston, TX; great-aunt, Mary Gatlin of Antioch, CA; great-uncle, Odell Davis, Muskegon, MI; brother, Kim Ray Geter and his wife, Regina of Kilgore, TX; sisters, De’Lores P. Arline, and Eleanor Stoker and her husband, Vernon, II; of all of Longview, TX; nieces, Dr. Stephanie Coleman-Newton of Waxahachie, TX; Brittney Stoker of Longview, TX; and Remigia Bates of Frisco, TX; nephew, Vernon Calvin Stoker, III; first cousins, Arronda Michelle Hardeman, Houston, TX; Linda Gale Thompson and Loretta Rena Thompson both of Longview, TX; sister-in-law, Velma Clark-Buckner of Houston, TX; brother-in-law, Clifford Clark of Lufkin, TX; best friend, Freddie Holmes of Houston, TX; many other relatives and friends.

Family visitation and viewing will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Victory Funeral Services and from 11:30 a.m. until noon on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at the church.

07/08/2025

Mrs. Pamela Louise Thrash Riggs

Memorial services for Pamela Louise Riggs, 77, of Tyler, Texas, will be held at a later date and time. Victory Funeral Services is in charge of the services.

Pamela’s first day was June 7, 1948, as she was born to the parentage of Alvin and Marie Louise Thrash in Tyler, Texas. She departed this life on June 14, 2025.

Her early education and graduation were garnered in the Dallas Public School System.

She attended the Cornerstone Assembly of God Church in Kilgore, Texas.

For more than 20 years, she was employed at Wise Elementary School in Tyler, Texas, as a part of the cafeteria staff.

When not working, she enjoyed gardening and especially attending to her roses.

Her parents, husband, Eldon Ray Riggs, and son, Daniel Riggs, all preceded her in death.

She leaves to mourn her loss, a son, Alvin Riggs and his wife, Erika of Tyler, TX; granddaughter, Quetzali Riggs of Tyler, TX, and grandson, Magi Riggs of Tyler, TX; a brother, Steve Thrash, and other relatives and family.

There will be no public viewing.

06/12/2025

Mr. Alfred Buren Bradford, Sr.

Funeral services for Alfred Bradford, Sr., 97, of Kilgore, Texas will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Harmony Pirtle Baptist Church, 12209 US Hwy 259, Kilgore, Texas with Rev. Lynnshya Ward, Sr. as eulogist. Burial will follow at Kennedy-Butts Cemetery. Victory Funeral Services is in charge of the services.

Entering the world to remain 97 years, Alfred was born on Saturday, April 7, 1928, in Lufkin, Texas to his parents, Jewel and Mozell Ivy Bradford, and later raised by his father and step-mother, Fannie L. Bradford. His tenure on earth ceased on June 9, 2025, at Christus Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview, Texas.

In his youth, he was baptized at Long Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Lufkin, Texas. Upon relocating to Kilgore, he united with Harmony Pirtle Baptist Church where he served throughout the years as a deacon, trustee, assistant cemetery sexton, and a member of the male chorus.

His school years were spent in Lufkin public schools with graduation in the Dunbar High School Class of 1946. Upon graduation he attended Prairie View A &M College for two years before gaining employment with Angelina Hardwood Company in Lufkin as a sawmill worker.

In 1952, he was inducted into the United States Army, and served active duty until 1954, then transferred to the Army Reserve to complete eight years of service. He spent approximately a year and a half in foreign service as a policeman in the historic highly decorated 512th Military Police Company, and attended specialized training school to become a radio operator. While abroad he received the Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, the United Nations Service Medal, Merit Unit Citation National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

After his military service he completed his education at Prairie View A&M College (now University), and Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Having garnered his degrees, he spent the latter entirety of his working career in education as an industrial arts instructor at El Campo High School, and Hallsville Junior High School.

He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Mu Rho Lambda Chapter in Longview, Texas.

He had a great love for watching television with Sanford and Son being his favorite show followed by showing his die-hard support for his beloved Dallas Cowboys, and other sporting teams. His other spare time was given to fishing, and being escorted wherever he wanted to go by who he called his “Servant”, his son, Alfred, Jr.

On June 5, 1955, he married Clara Vivian Jones, and two children were born to their union. They were wed for 66 years until her demise in 2021.

His parents, step-mother, wife, sister, Juanita Beckley, brother, Joe Kelly Bradford, and son-in-law, Larry Colbert, all preceded him in death.

Those left to miss his presence are his daughter, Mone’ Bradford Colbert of Longview, TX; son, Alfred Buren Bradford, Jr. and his wife, Sheryl of Kilgore, TX; three grandchildren, Bria Lister and her husband, Danield of Longview, TX; Briana Campbell and her husband, Tevin of Ft. Worth, TX; and Lindsay Tucker of Hallsville, TX; step-grandchildren, Brad Peace and his wife, Alicia, Josh Peace and his wife, Lanna of Kilgore, TX; Mikki Lynn Johnigan and her husband, Jason, all of Kilgore, TX; eight great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Public viewing will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Victory Funeral Services.