Obituaries
Grant Bradford
A Celebration of Life Service for Grant Bradford, 8, of Wetumpka, was Sunday, May 5, 2024, at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Bishop Frank Bradford, Jonathan Bradford, and Steve Sherum officiated.
Grant Bradford, known lovingly as Grant, graced this world with his presence on May 14, 2015, in Birmingham. With heavy hearts, we announce his peaceful passing on May 2, 2024, in the same city that witnessed his first breath. Grant’s life, albeit brief, was a tapestry of love, light, and laughter, touching the hearts of everyone he encountered.
Grant’s journey was rich with the love of a close-knit family. He leaves behind a legacy of joy and tenderness as cherished by his parents, Drake and Ashley Bradford; his brothers, Mason Kennedy, Eli Bradford, and his devoted twin, Garrett Bradford. His grandmother, Melinda Bradford, and grandfather, Brian Taunton, alongside grandparents Glenn and Nancy Dunham and Milton and Bonnie Garrett will remember him with undying affection. His great-grandmothers, JoAnn Dunham and Gale Jones, together with great-grandparents, Frank and Teresa Bradford, will hold their memories of Grant close to their hearts.
His exuberant spirit will also live on through his uncle and aunt, Jesse and Ashley Garrett; aunt, Destiny Atchison; and great-uncles and great-aunts, Steve and Pam Sherum, Larry and Gwen Rich, Chris and Danielle Bradford, Jonathan and Leslie Bradford, and Greg Dunham. The charm of his playful interactions will linger in the laughter of his cousins Dawson and Landon Colvin, Henry and Hayden Garrett, Brooklyn Sherum, Jon-Micha, Julie, Joey, and Janie Bradford. His aunt Tiffany Dean, along with the families of his uncles and aunts Wes and Suzanne Goodwin, Ryan and Kayla Rich, J.R. and Rene Colvin, John and Dekota Sherum, Matt and Christy Sanders, and Greg and Leigh Varner, will miss his ever-sparkling presence.
Grant was preceded in death by those who would have adored witnessing the wonder of his life journey, his great-grandfather, Rev. Ira John Jones; great-grandfather, Harold Dunham; great-grandfather, Milton Garrett Sr.; and great-grandmother, Kay Caldwell. Their spirits will no doubt continue to watch over him with eternal love and tenderness.
In his young life, Grant embraced the world with love and courage. His enchanting blue eyes and heartwarming smile could light up the darkest of rooms, captivating all who met him. His love for soft and fuzzy stuffed animals and blankets paralleled his love for the comforting embrace of his family’s arms. Ashley’s soothing lullabies could always send him into peaceful slumber, wrapped in the cocoon of his mother’s love.
Grant was the epitome of an easy-going soul; his welcoming and sunny disposition never burdened those around him. Though his words were few, his language of laughter and smiles spoke volumes, effortlessly communicating his caring and cheerful essence. His brothers’ voices, reading to him, playing alongside him, and showering him with love, were among his greatest joys. He also found delight in watching elephant videos, fascinated by their graceful might.
To describe Grant simply as loving, funny, and courageous barely scratches the surface of his extraordinary character. He lived his life with an infectious exuberance that is impossible to forget. In every giggle, every cuddle, and every gleeful moment he shared with us, Grant reminded everyone what truly matters.
In the hearts of those he leaves behind, Grant Bradford will forever be remembered as a beacon of pure love, a wellspring of laughter, and a courageous little soul who made every moment infinitely precious. He has left an indelible mark, and his story, though short, will be told with profound love for generations to come.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Grant’s memory to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama; 1700 4th Avenue South; Birmingham, Alabama 35233 or www.rmhca.org.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Grant Bradford.
Kathleen Gooden
Kathleen Belle Gooden was born on July 5, 1943, in Sullivan County, Indiana, and passed away on May 3, 2024, near her home of many years in Sylacauga. Kathleen was a substitute teacher for more than 10 years at Stewartville Elementary School and Weogufka High School, where she was dearly loved by many students.
Services were held Wednesday May 8, 2024, at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, Sylacauga, with Pastor Jason Gravette of Hollins Baptist Church officiating. Interment followed immediately after the service at Fayetteville United Methodist Church.
Kathleen is survived by her children, Scott Gooden, Jane Hawkins (Jared); her step-daughters, Myra Austin, Carol Hanes (Rick); her grandchildren, Alice Hawkins, Claire Hawkins, Evelyn Hawkins; her step-grandchildren, Ellie, Rob, and Summer; her step-great-grandchildren, Charlie, Sam, Davey, and John Austin; and her sister, Priscilla Thrasher (Mike). She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews to cherish her memory.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Thurman Gooden; her sisters, Mary Jane Unger (John), Eva Simmons (Harry); her brother, John Dillingham (Judy); and her parents, Don and Annis Elizabeth McClure.
Pallbearers were Bill Unger, Mike Unger, Paul Kimbrell, Wyatt Kimbrell, Jonathan Hyatt, Brody Hyatt, and Rob Smith.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga directed the service.
Patricia Vansandt
Funeral service for Patricia Vansandt, 82, of Sylacauga, will be Friday, May 10, at Radney-Smith Chapel with Rev. Charles Sims officiating. Burial will be at Unity Presbyterian Cemetery in Weogufka.
Mrs. Vansandt passed away peacefully with family by her side on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Brookwood Hospital.
Patricia was full of personality, laughter, and life. She loved Jesus and her family more than anything. She found joy in making others smile. As the wife of former business owner Tommy Vansandt of Vansandt Hardware, she spent many days behind the counter spreading sunshine. She was the best mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and Auburn fan that you could ask for. While our hearts are broken here on Earth, she has found true peace and celebration with her loved ones in heaven. We will forever long to be reunited.
“But as God calls us by one. The chain will link again.”
She is preceded in death by her husband, Tommy W. Vansandt; and her parents, Johnny and Evelyn (Pet) Blankenship. She is survived by her son, Mark (DeLane) Vansandt; grandchildren, Dana Vansandt, Amy Binns (Max), Kim Alexander (Matt); son, Craig (Angela) Vansandt; grandchildren, Adam Vansandt, Christina Quessenberry; son, Byron (Tara) Vansandt; grandchildren, Stephanie (Cameron) Bailey, Emily (Chandler) Cox; daughter, Cindy (Terry) Parnell; grandchildren, Michelle (Zack) Myers, Lindsey (Thomas) Hudgins; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Gail Smith; and brother, Grover Blankenship.
Visitation will be Friday, May 10, from 10 a.m until 12:30 p.m. with service at 1:00 p.m. at Radney-Smith Funeral Home. Graveside to follow at Unity Presbyterian Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Tony Hickman, Donnie Price, Jeff Vick, Ron Gaines, Danny Gill, and Byron Hughes.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga will direct the service.
