William Meredith Bradford, M. D., 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 14. Meredith was born in Jackson, Mississippi where he lived most of his life. He is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, and friend. His commitment to his patients, competitive spirit on the tennis court, and devotion to his family were an inspiration to all who knew him. He was a graduate of Central High School in Jackson, Mississippi, and Mississippi College where he played for the basketball team, was active in the Baptist Student Union, and pre-med club. Meredith double-majored in chemistry and zoology, graduating in 3 years. He then completed medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1960, where he served as president of the Baptist Student Union Council.
After completing his internship at the University of Colorado Medical Center in 1961, he served as a medical officer in the United States Navy where he was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 212.
After proudly serving his country, he completed a residency in Urology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He joined the Jackson Urological Clinic in 1968 and later the Mississippi Urology Clinic. During his career, he served as Chief of the Medical Staff at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center. He enjoyed spending his spare time on the tennis courts at River Hills Club, where he was a formidable opponent known for his tenacity and his unconventional "street strokes."
Meredith is survived by sons and daughters-in-law Evan and Wendy Bradford, and Keith and Sheri Bradford. He is also survived by six grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Reed Bradford, Katherine Bradford Carr (Kevin), Zach Lancon, Austin Bradford, Meredith Bradford, and Keitan Bradford. He is also survived by a great-granddaughter, Quinn Elizabeth Carr, brother Robert Lewis Bradford (Diane), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Irene Elizabeth "Liz" Waldrop Bradford, and by his parents William Horton Bradford and Ivamaye Meredith Bradford.
Visitation will be Saturday, March 20 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home in Flowood, Mississippi. Adherence to COVID-19 protocols including masks and social distancing will be followed. A private service and burial will be held immediately following the visitation. The family requests memorials be made to Stewpot Community Services in Jackson, Mississippi.