Rickey (Rick) Neal Bradford-July 30, 1950 – August 27, 2021. "To be absent in the body is to be present in the Lord" . 2 Corinthians 5:8 Rick was proceeded in death by his parents, Neal and Joy Bradford, two brothers, Larry and Johnny Bradford, as well as, two sisters, Carolyn Terry and Sharon Bradford Patino. He is survived by his son, Kayole Bradford, his daughter-in-love, Stella Bradford, and his daughter, Mandy Bradford. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Landon Bradford, Brody Garza, Walker Harris, and Taylor Harris. Rick loved his family, especially his grandkids. They were what brought that smile and ray of light into his world. Rick graduated from Shafter High School in 1968. He was active on the wrestling team during his younger years of high school. He worked from an early age on the farms outside of Shafter until he graduated from high school. He wore many hats in his lifetime. He thrived to succeed in a multitude of ways to support his family. He started out working for Bakersfield Electronics before going to work for Belridge Oil Company. It was here, he met what would become his long time business partner, Jim Nixon. Together, they started J & R Distributors, a Knudsen Dairy distribution company. They worked to build the company before Jim decided to pursue other ventures and he sold his interest in the company to Rick which then changed the company name to Rick Bradford Distributing. Rick continued to build the business before he decided to sell after 20+ years. Always looking for opportunities, Rick decided to focus his effort in the Real Estate business which suited his desire for helping people through service. Rick worked in the Real Estate business where he built a portfolio of clients in commercial, residential, and investment transactions. Rick always had an entrepreneurial spirit and was constantly seeking opportunities. It was this drive that led Rick to one of his most proud achievements. He created Bradco Mobile Dock Trailers. He invented a mobile dock trailer application for cross loading multiple delivery trucks simultaneously which could be utilized in a variety of ways with limited space. Rick's work ethic was second to none. He prided himself on his hard work. In his younger days, Rick enjoyed playing softball, golf, playing cards and dominos. His greatest joy and love was his time spent with his kids and grandkids. It was rewarding for him to coach Kayole and Mandy in youth sports and be a part of all their endeavors. He always made it a priority to attend games, school functions, birthdays, holidays and every chance he could to spend time with his kids and grandkids. Rick went peacefully to be with Christ on August 27, 2021.