Marion McKinley Bradford, 74, of Hendersonville, passed away on Monday, May 3, 2021. He was born on October 28, 1946 in Rome, Georgia to the late Adrian LeRoy Bradford and Ollie Mae McCurry Bradford. Marion attended Shorter University in Rome, GA and graduated from University of Georgia with a PhD in Biochemistry. While at Georgia, he developed a protein essay that is currently used worldwide. He went on to become a research biochemist with Tate and Lyle in Decatur, IL. Upon retirement, he became a Consultant for Iowa Corn Growers Association.
A loving husband to Janet, he always took care of her, supported her and they shared many hobbies together. He loved his daughters and grandson, always trying to help and support them. Marion enjoyed gardening, wood working, golf, and restoring houses but also gave back to his community by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, the Literary Council, and Golden “K”. He loved music and played violin and viola with the Blue Ridge Orchestra also singing with UUFH Choir and Carolina Concert Choir. While a member of the Universal Unitarian Fellowship of Hendersonville (UUFH), he served on the Fellowship Board, Music Committee and property management.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Wyatt Bradford of Rome, Georgia and son-in-law, Tim Aikman.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Janet Holliday Bradford; daughters, Shawn Aikman and Jennifer Leigh Bradford (Patricia Mullis); grandson, Willis Aikman; sisters-in-law, Sylvia (John) Carson of Union, SC and Beth Bradford of Rome, GA; two nieces of South Carolina and two nephews of Tennessee.
The family gives special thanks to Leigh and Trish for helping take care of Marion for the past 1½ years; to their neighbors on Carousel Lane; members of UUFH; friends at Crooked Creek Golf Course and those in Decatur, IL.
A Celebration of Marion’s Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to UUFH, 2021 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 or St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org or 1-800-478-5833.