Dr. Donald Ray Radford

April 25, 1946 - January 26, 2019

Our beloved husband and father Donald Ray, was born April 25, 1946 in Magnolia, AR to the late Rev. and Mrs. W.M. Radford Sr. Donald confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at St. Luke Baptist Church. Dr. Radford attended the Columbia School District and graduated in 1964. He also attended Southern Baptist Institute and graduated in 1965. He was later drafted into the Army and was sent to fight in the Vietnam War. After serving his country, he received an honorable discharge from the Army. After being discharged from the military he was employed with various jobs. To name a few; he worked at Southern Extrusion and later employed with Firestone before he began to pastor at several churches. Dr. Radford later accepted his calling into ministry on April 8th, 1972. He was ordained by his father Rev. W.M. Radford. He began to pastor at Shady Grove M.B.C from 1972-1975, then moved to Clevet Springs M.B.C. from January 1974- September 1987, Mt. Olive M.B.C from September 1987-2012, Cedar Grove M.B.C. for a year and a half, and Jones Chapel for over approximately 10 months as the interim pastor. He later received his Doctorate of Divinity in May 1999, from the Arkansas Baptist College. He held various positions and taught within the Baptist Convention and Columbia District Association under the direction of Moderator Dr. Pete Lambert. In his early years, he was an active at F&AM. Later, in life he married; Brenda Joyce “Baby” on December 21, 2001. In the early hours on January 26th, Dr. D.R. Radford left his earthly tabernacle, leaving behind his illness of this world to be with his Heavenly Father. He is preceded in death by his mother and father Rev. & Mrs. W.M. Radford, daughter Jacquelyn Radford, eight brothers, and 4 sisters. He leaves to cherish his love and memories to: his wife, Brenda McKenzie Radford of eighteen years; one daughter Sharon (Kelvin) Radford Sergeant; Six sons: Wendall (Vernitta) Radford, Donald Ray Radford Jr., Cedric (Shawna) McKenzie, Tyrone (Tekelia) McKenzie, Brian (Courtney) McKenzie, Marcus (Tomeka) McKenzie; special nephew/son James (Melissa) Thomas; one sister Mary Gulley, one brother Reubin Radford, and many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly. There are twenty-five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. Celebration of life will be held Friday, February 1st at 11:00 am at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Camden, AR. Burial with military honors to follow at St. Luke Cemetery in Magnolia, AR, under the direction of R.L. Reed Funeral Home LLC. of Magnolia, AR. Officiating will be Rev. J.C. Manly and Dr. B.J. Harris eulogist. Visitation will be held Thursday at the funeral home from 12 Noon-4:30 pm. The body will lie in state Friday morning 10:00 a.m. until service time. Sign our online guestbook @www.rlreedfuneralhome.com