Samuel Markham Bradford, “Sam/Sammy,” 78, of Guyton, Georgia passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026 after a long illness with Frontotemporal dementia with aphasia at Spanish Oaks Retreat in Savannah, Georgia. Sam was born in Fayetteville. He was a member of the Church at Godley Station in Savannah.
Sam had such sweet smile that it would brighten your day. He was a 1965 graduate of Fayetteville Senior High School (now Terry Sanford High) in Fayetteville. He was an avid and outstanding baseball player, playing second base for the Bulldogs.
Sam had a zest for life and developed lasting friendships with a great many people, who to this day continue to ask his family in Fayetteville about him. He had many friends throughout his life and is remembered fondly by all who knew him. Sam will surely be missed by all.
Sam was an Army Vietnam Veteran, CW2. He served with honor and distinction with the Second Brigade of the 101st “Screaming Eagles Division.” Sam was a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.
Sam retired as an air traffic controller with the FAA Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center in Hilliard, Florida after 33 years of service. When not working, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, and time spent with his family at the coast.
Sam is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Eli Bradford and Annie Lee Knott Bradford of Fayetteville, along with his brother, James “J.D.” Bradford.
Sam is survived by his wife of 43 years, Valerie McCall Bradford of Guyton; a daughter, Heather Bradford (Brian) Stolpa of Parkton, North Carolina; a grandson, Hayden Stolpa; a brother, Tommy (Linda) Bradford of Fayetteville; a sister‐in‐law, Christie McCall of Savannah; a brother‐in‐law, Rob (Beth) McCall of Odum, Georgia, along with several nieces and nephews.
Graveside funeral services were Thursday, February 5, 2026 in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery in Jesup, Georgia with Pastor Darren Thomas officiating along with U.S. military honors.
In lieu of flowers or memorials, the family requests donations to the Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration “AFTD”, 2700 Horizon Drive, Suite 120, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, 19406.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.