He we born in Town Creek, Alabama and attended Hazlewood High School, he played football, basketball and baseball for the Bears. Following his junior year in high school, he left school and joined the Army during World War II. He was a member of the Army Air Corps, flying 31 missions as a radio operator on a B-17 during the war. Upon returning from the war he helped coach at Hazlewood while finishing his senior year. After graduation he attended Florence State University and was a pitcher on the Lions baseball team. In 1956 Coach Bradford became the first assistant coach at Colbert County School. He assisted Coach C.t. Manley as the offensive and defensive line coach from 1956-1970. In 1964 Coach Bradford started the baseball program at Colbert County and helped build the first baseball field. His career record was 109-37 during 8 years as the Indians coach and was selected 3 times to coach in the East-West All-Star Game. Coach Bradford coached 12 players who went on to play college baseball. Coach Bradford was a career educator and community leader. He served as principal of Brick Elementary School from 1971-1985 and also served as Mayor of Leighton.