BRADFORD WILSON SMITH
October 7, 1946 ~ July 30, 2024
Bradford Wilson Smith was born in Stockton, California October 7th 1946 to James Wilson Smith and Marylyn Shire Smith. He attended Garfield grade School, John Marshall Middle School and graduated with the class of 1964 from Lincoln High School. After graduation he enlisted in the Air Force and trained in the Air Police serving 18 months in Taiwan and 18 months at Hill Air Force Base in Layton, Utah. He met his future wife Cheryl Bateman, while at Hill Air Force base. They were married six months later in 1967. On completing his time in the Air Force he applied to the California Highway Patrol and was accepted to join the class starting in Dec. 1968. On completion of the CHP Academy they moved to Ventura, where Brian was born, then to Lompoc and Santa Maria, where Kristin was born. They moved back to Stockton in 1975 where he worked until he retired in 1989. After retiring for several years he opened “Brad’s Saturday Traffic School”. Then opened his 2nd business, “Brushes & Rollers Painting.”
Brad loved many activities. He enjoyed playing, coaching and sponsoring Softball teams. He enjoyed Racquetball and played weekly up until his death. He also enjoyed boating and fishing. One of his favorite fishing trips was taking his son to Alaska where they fished for Salmon and Halibut. Brad loved to cook at home and was a loved Girls Camp cook for 5 years and he loved it, too. Brad also loved to go on Cruises. He cruised to Alaska, New York, Panama and Mexico. Ogden, Utah was always on the agenda for vacations where he could spend time with his wifes’ family. Brad had a smile that was always filled with love.
Brad was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He & Cheryl, Brian & Kristin were sealed in the Ogden Temple in 1982 and he started serving his Heavenly Father in many different callings, including Sunday School teacher, Ward Clerk, Ward Mission Leader, Elders Quorum President and in the Bishopric. He loved his Savior and served Him.
Brad leaves behind his wife Cheryl, his son Brian Smith (Jenifer Lucero); grandchildren Daxton Stillwell, Taylor Stillwell (Connor Landon), and Travis Smith (Nyssa) and great grandchildren Zakia Cobian, Zaniyah Cobian and Rogan Smith. He was the older brother to Laurie Smith Costello (Tim). He was preceded in death by his parents Jim & Marylyn Smith and daughter Kristin Terlouw.
Private graveside services will be held at a later time.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Smith family.