Garnett Bradford

By Editor | January 9, 2026 |

Garnett Bradford passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Trinity Grove. He was born to George Henderson Bradford and Frances Robinson Bradford on September 7, 1935, in Harrison County, KY, near the North Licking River on his family’s tobacco-livestock farm.
Garnett graduated from Harrison County High School in 1953 and went on to earn a B.S. and M.S. degrees in agricultural economics from the University of Kentucky. After working two years in agribusiness, Garnett joined the economics faculty at North Carolina State University where he taught and conducted applied economics research and earned a Ph. D in applied economics and mathematical statistics. From 1954 through 1961 Garnett served in the U.S. Army Reserves.
He taught and conducted applied economics research for 41 years – from 1960 until 2001 – at N.C State, UK, the University of Minnesota, and Clemson University. He published over 250 articles in books, academic research journals, and popular magazines. Over the years, Dr. Bradford was recognized with numerous professional and business awards and honors.
Garnett and Laura (Stephens) Bradford were united in marriage on June 6, 1958, at the Republican Christian Church near the village of Buena Vista in Harrison County. They were blessed with over 67 years together and two children – Sharon in 1961 and Eric (Paula) in 1969, and they have three grandchildren; Anthony 25, Sophia 24 (fiancé, Joey Rhoades), and Julia 21.
From 1968 to 1988 they lived on and operated a small tobacco-livestock farm in northern Fayette County, KY.
Garnett and Laura lived and worked in four states, thus were active in several Christian Churches. Garnett served as an Elder at The Old Union Christian Church in the 1980’s.
A memorial service was held at 11:00 am Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel. A graveside service was held 1:00 pm Tuesday, February 24, 2026 in the Old Union Cemetery with Rev. Scott Winkler officiating. Hinton-Turner Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements. www.hintonturner.com