Rev. Jesse L. Radford, Sr., 82 of Crossett, AR,(White Station Community) died Sunday, March 22, 2009 at the Ashley County Medical Center. Rev. Radford was a native of Lake Village, AR, but a resident of Crossett for the past 65 years, a retiree of Georgia Pacific Paper Mill, a retired minister, and a member of Fudge Bpatist Church. He was preceded in death by one son, William Wayne Radford, one daughter, Carol Sue Brown, his parents: Isaiah & Fanny Neal Radford, six sisters: Georgia Bell Duncan, Minnie Langford, Francis Wright, Lucille Harris, Janie Dunmore & Cleotha Richardson, and four brothers: Mark Radford, Theodore Radford, Elijah Radford & Lee Clemon Radford, Sr.

Rev. Radford was the former pastor of the following churches, Macedonia Baptist in Mer Rouge, LA, Pleasant Hill Baptist in Banks, AR, First Baptist Church in Selma, AR, Zion Hill Baptist in Arkansas City, AR, Fellowship Baptist & Sweet Union Baptist both in Spearsville, LA & Fudge Baptist in Whites, AR. He also was a US Army veteran serving in WWII.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Verdell Radford, one son, Rev. Jesse Jr., wife Lorraine Radford of Crossett, AR, one daughter, Mary Martin of Crossett, AR, one daughter-in-law, Lora Jean Radford of West Helena, AR, ten grandchildren & fifteen great-grandchildren.

Services are Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 11:00 AM at New Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Jesse Radford, Jr., officiating. Visitation Tuesday, March 23 from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Pallbearers are Freddie Hill, Greg Bridges, Bobby Brown, Felton Williams,Cedric Tucker & Kenneth Childress. Honorary pallbearers are Michael Brown, Brady Radford, William Radford, Rha Radford & Quinton Radford & Jesse Radford,III. Burial in Ryles Cemetery.