Birth Date: 05/23/1932
Deceased Date: 08/03/2017
Kenly – Aubrey O. Radford, age 85, died Thursday night after a brief battle with cancer. Born May 23, 1932 in Johnston County, he was the son of the late Cleveland Haley and Lillie Flowers Radford. Aubrey was preceded in death by brothers, Major, Magnus, Hubert, and Bill; and sister, Alberta Mozingo. He graduated from Kenly High School in 1950 and later served in the US Army. Aubrey married the love of his life, Gail, on July 3, 1953 and they spent their lives growing tobacco, corn, soy beans, and sweet potatoes on their farm in Johnston County. Together they traveled extensively, visiting all 48 continental states, as well as Canada and Mexico. Aubrey was a lifelong member of Rains Crossroads FWB Church.
A memorial service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, August 6, 2017 in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Sunday just prior to the service.
Surviving are his wife, Gail Davis Radford; son, Michael and wife Carol of Destin, FL; daughter, Karen Spivey and husband Tony of Greensboro, NC; sisters, Christine Peedin of Roanoke Rapids and Lessie McKeel and husband Willie of Princeton; and four grandchildren, Amanda Radford, Melissa Radford, Blake Spivey, and Bethany Spivey; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to extend their special gratitude to Aubrey’s primary physician, Dr. Hal B. Woodall, and the staff of Kenly Medical Center, Dr. Keith Lerro and the staff of Regional Medical Oncology Center in Wilson, NC, and the staff of the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to Rains Crossroads FWB Church, 5430 Princeton Kenly Road, Kenly, NC 27542, or, to the SECU Hospice House of Johnston Health, P.O. Box 1376, Smithfield, NC 27577.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at parrishfh.com.
