Charles Leonard Bradford of Conyers, age 77, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2008, at DeKalb Medical Center after a lengthy illness.

Funeral services for Mr. Bradford were held Saturday, December 27, at Zion Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Reese Sanders officiating. Interment followed at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.

He was born in Gwinnett County and grew up in Milstead. Charles graduated from Berry High School in Rome and continued his education at Berry College. It was there he met his sweetheart and future wife, Betty Sheffield from Colquitt. They were married on June 3, 1951, and enjoyed 57 years of marriage. Mr. Bradford was a long time member of Zion Baptist Church in Covington where he gained many friends. He especially enjoyed the Pennington Sunday School Class, Young at Heart group and singing in the Jubilee Choir.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Bradford; three sons, Jimmy Bradford, Ricky (Dale) Bradford, David Bradford, all of Conyers; brothers, Bill Bradford, Raymond Bradford, Conyers; sisters, Joan Hull, Conyers, Linda George of Lithonia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James H. and Lettie Belle Bradford of Conyers.

Scot Ward Funeral Services was in charge of the arrangements.