David Ray Bradford

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of David Ray “Dave” Bradford, age 71, of Sapulpa, OK, who passed away peacefully on Friday June 26, 2026.

Dave was born on December 27, 1954, in Tulsa, OK to John Adkins and Esther (Rush) Bradford. Dave always said that he was a rich man because of the family he and his wife, Dawnice lovingly created. Family was the most important thing to him. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren and would often say that his work was done because his children were successful, they had wonderful children and they stayed connected even in adulthood. His children and grandchildren were the jewels in his crown. His love for family was also shown in his passion for genealogy. If you had ever been around Dave long enough you would find yourself in a conversation about the Bradford, Rush or Debolt family history. He spent many hours exploring databases and connecting with distant relatives tracing our lineage back to wagon trains and pioneering journeys. Dave lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, service and his gift of gab. One of his best qualities was having conversations, even sometimes with random strangers. Throughout his career, Dave always connected well with his coworkers as a mechanic in the shops of Unit Rig, Dowell Schlumberger, and Fleet Service. When he went to work with Cardinal Health, delivering nuclear medication throughout northeast Oklahoma, his love of listening to music while cruising down the road and visiting with friends all came together. You couldn’t walk into a hospital for an appointment without him knowing someone there. One of Dave's passions was also coaching his kids in baseball or softball. There were many seasons that he would drive his Ford pickup through the neighborhood and pick up his team of ball players. The route was down Pine St. to Boomer Field located in Dawson, this was his field of dreams where he would make some of his best memories. He would never turn away a ball player, if a kid walked by the field, they were always invited to play. After practice, the team would jump in the back of the truck and on the way home there was always a stop at the FastStop to get a .49 cent cold drink.

Dave is survived by his wife, Dawnice Bradford; his children and their spouses, April Benoit, Amanda and Gilbert Collard, and George and Ashlynn Bradford; his daughter-in-law, Kayce Bradford; his grandchildren, Lilia and Doobie Benoit, Emmaline Bradford, Mckenzie Cothran, Sophia Collard, Breelyn, Easton and Scout Bradford; his brother, Johnie Bradford; his brother-in-law, Melvin Fordyce; his sister-in-law, Roberta Hewitt and her husband, John; his nephews, John Bradford, Justin Bradford, and Jason Mansberry; as well as other loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his son, David Garrison Bradford; his parents, John and Esther Bradford; his in-laws, Russell DeBolt and Maxine DeVault; and his sisters-in-law Sandra Bradford and Susan DeBolt.

Those who knew Dave will remember him for his engaging conversations, his devotion to his family and family history, and his unwavering generosity as a coach and friend. His joyful spirit and warm smile will remain in our hearts, and his legacy of love and connection will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Graveside memorial services were held on Saturday, June 18, 2026, at Fairview Cemetery, in Owasso, OK with Phil Johnson officiating. Honorary Casket bearers were Johnie L. Bradford, J.R. Bradford, Justin Bradford, Randy Montoya, John David Bradford, Masson Bradford, Jim Fleig, and Danny Yarborough.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society, and acts of kindness be performed in Dave’s memory.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Oklahoma Heart Institute, as well as family and friends for their care, support, and compassion during this difficult time.

Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry. Online condolences to the family can be made at johnsonsperry.com.