William “Bill” Roland Bradshaw, 75, of Carthage, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, at the Reid Heart Center, in Pinehurst, surrounded by his wife, children and brothers.
A Christian service celebrating his life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, at the First Baptist Church of Carthage, where he was a member, with the Rev. Jeff Roberts officiating. The family will greet friends and relatives in the church fellowship hall following the service and at other times in the Bradshaw home at 2503 Old Glendon Road, near Carthage. Later, a memorial service will be held in Mineral Wells, Texas, where his ashes will be spread according to his wishes.
Mr. Bradshaw is survived by his wife, Dr. Dianah Cockman Bradshaw, of Carthage; his brothers, Dennis (JoAnn) Bradshaw, of Mineral Wells, Texas, and Douglas (Ann) Bradshaw, of Benbrook, Texas; and also by Dianah’s siblings and spouses, Dr. Daniel A (Janie) Cockman, of Greensboro, Elizabeth Thomas and Dr. Lorna Clack, of Carthage, and Domenic A. Palagruto, of Elkton, Md.
Additionally, he is survived by his children, Patrick (MaryAnne) Bradshaw and Celli Bradshaw, of Austin, Texas, Mike (Sherry) Bradshaw and Lisa Bradshaw of Sophia, Darrell Ray (Tabitha) Hill, of Zebulon, and Douglas (Tammy) Hill, of Sanford; and special friends John McMorris, Robin Thomas, Cassandra Bell-Morrisey, Kenisha Bethea and Betty Cox .
Papa Bradshaw cherished his children and adored his 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. His happiest times were when family and grandchildren were all gathered about him and as he enjoyed a round of golf with them. He was genial, kind and supportive of all his family in their spiritual, educational and career endeavors.
Mr. Bradshaw was born in Hobart, Okla., the oldest son of G.W. and Ola Flowers Bradshaw. He grew up in the Texas Panhandle and graduated from Clarendon High School and College. Bill was extremely patriotic, and served in the United States Navy as a corpsman stationed at The Presidio in San Francisco, and remained supportive of veteran and civic organizations throughout his lifetime.
He served as commander of Post 87 of the N.C. American Legion and president of the Clarendon Jaycees. Following military service, Bill joined his father’s milk distribution business in the Texas Panhandle. In the late 1960s, he was selected by Borden Milk to head Borden’s corporate accounts in North Carolina. Later, Mr. Bradshaw joined the Tom’s Snacks Corp., where he was continually named to the President’s Round Table as the top snacks salesman in the nation.
A devout Christian, Mr. Bradshaw served as an ordained deacon for more than 45 years. He loved the Lord and was concerned about the spiritual growth of his friends, family and nation. Attending church when his health would allow, Bill enjoyed visits with the pastor, the many members of his church and friends who were so good to visit him, send cards or bring The Wall Street Journal for his enjoyment.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 824, Carthage, NC 28327. Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.
Boles Funeral Home and Crematory of Southern Pines is serving the family.
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