Marvin “Buddy” Parker
March 15, 1943 – September 29, 2024
Mr. Marvin “Buddy” Parker was called home on Sunday morning, September 29, 2024 in Saline, LA, at the age of 81.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia Davis Parker; his son, Marty Parker and wife Angel, and grandson, Rhett Parker; his daughter, Amy Williams and husband Tony, and granddaughters, Jayden and Jordan Williams. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Edward Parker Sr. and Grace Ussery Parker; his siblings, Louise Powell Brandon, Thomas E. Parker Jr., Velma Haynes, Kathleen Caskey, Alvin Parker and Gloria Jean Watkins.
Buddy was born on March 15, 1943 in Danville, LA. He went on to graduate from Weston High School and enlisted in the US Navy, where he served for 2 years. He married Patricia Davis Parker on February 3, 1968, and was happily married for 56 years. He worked at the paper mill in Hodge for 46 years, and after retirement from the paper mill, he worked 6 years at the Jackson Parish Correctional Facility. He loved and treasured the friendships he built during those years.
Buddy had a tremendous love of his family and spent many years following his children and grandchildren all around the Southern United States. He enjoyed talking and would love to stop and visit when he would run into an old friend. He also loved attending family reunions where he could reminisce with his family about the good ole times.
Buddy was a member of Springhill Baptist Church in Weston for many years, but later became a member Magnolia Baptist Church in Saline when he and Patricia moved to Saline. He loved his church and his church family. He was so proud of his family and they were his pride and joy. The love of his life, Patricia Parker, we’re always together and very rarely did you see one without the other.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 pm on Wednesday, October 2nd at Magnolia Baptist Church in Saline, LA. The Celebration of Life service will be on Thursday, October 3rd at 4:00 pm with Interment following at the Magnolia Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank the many friends and family who have comforted us during this loss. Buddy’s love for God, his country, and his friends and family will live on forever in those who were blessed to know him.
Roderick J. Bradford
January 6, 1966 – September 28, 2024
Born on January 6, 1966, to James and Mae Calahan Bradford in Jonesboro, LA, Roderick James Bradford was always a trailblazer.
Roderick accepted Christ at a young age at Pleasant Grove Missionary Church. After relocating to Vicksburg, he became a member of Calvary Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon.
Roderick graduated from Jonesboro Hodge High School in 1983. At just 17 years old, he headed to Baton Rouge, LA, to attend Louisiana State University. Roderick then decided to take a break from college and enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Wichita Falls, Texas. After his tour in the Air Force, he graduated from Grambling State University.
On March 12, 2005, Roderick became a proud member of Omega Psi Phi. He pledged with the Gamma Omicron Chapter in Minden, Louisiana, earning the line name “Flatline” because he fell asleep standing straight up while on line. As the Deuce (Number 2), he brought his own unique energy and heart to the brotherhood, sealing a lifelong bond with “Da Bruhz!”
Roderick was a leader, educator, and coach. He had a career in management with Walmart, AutoZone, and CapitalOne Bank. In 2016, CapitalOne Bank relocated him to Vicksburg, MS. It was while in Vicksburg that he met his wife, Marilyn Bradford (whom he affectionately called “My Bride”). They happily married on June 15, 2019.
Roderick was the life of the party—if he was around, a good time was guaranteed. He had a knack for turning an ordinary day into an adventure. Roderick was also a Pit Master and will be remembered for his awesome turkey necks and homemade BBQ sauce.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mae Calahan Bradford; his maternal grandfather, Elder Lonnie Calahan; and his paternal grandparents, Mattie Esther and Leamon Bradford (Annie D).
Roderick leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Ragan Bradford; children William Bradford (Jessica), and Kiara Bradford, Bonus Children: LaQuita Reed (Rodrick), Jazmine Neal, Kayla Neal, Kihron Bristol, Joni Bristol, and Warren Johnson (Kermetria); his father, James E. Bradford; and his sisters, Berkita Bradford and D’Andra Odom (Brandon); his maternal grandmother, Eva Mae Calahan. His” favorite” Aunt (the ride-or-die aunt) Mary Hoover, eighteen grandchildren, one great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, family, and friends. As an adult, he adopted the Charles and Van Williams family as his “god family.”
Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 3rd at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Jonesboro. The Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 4th at Calvary Church in Vicksburg, MS with Interment following at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.