William “Brad” Bradford Washburn

WAKE FOREST- Mr. William “Brad” Bradford Washburn, Jr., 76, peacefully passed away on Friday, April 9, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family, after many years of declining health from a stroke.

Mr. Washburn was born September 22, 1944 to the late William (Bill) and Elizabeth (Nancy) Washburn, Sr. in Knoxville, TN. Brad proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Cuban Crisis where he was on a Minesweeper.  Following his return home, he began working for IBM in 1965 until his retirement in 1991 as a Purchasing Agent.  While at IBM he attended Kings Business College earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business.

Mr. Washburn was a longtime member at Shady Grove Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, board member, choir & youth leader, and loved visiting the elderly and shut-ins for many years. He enjoyed RV traveling with his wife, fishing, horses and the outdoors. Mr. Washburn had a passion for helping children and enjoyed taking them on trail rides. Brad never met a stranger and would help any one in need.  He will be remembered as a loving and gentle man with a huge heart.  Brad will be deeply missed by the many lives he touched.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Washburn is preceded in death by his sister, Sandra and dog, Australian Shepherd, “Bo”.

Mr. Washburn is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sheila Washburn; son, William Bradford “Bill” Washburn, III (Diane) daughters, Amie Woods (Talmadge), Tracey Washburn; brothers, Robert Washburn and Kenneth Bowden (Mary); sister, Rose-Marie Faucette (Dennis); grandchildren, Trent Woods, Grayson Franks, Montana Franks and numerous other loving family members.

A  memorial service will be held Saturday April 17 at 12:00 at the family farm in the front pasture @ 1424 Old Weaver Trail, Wake Forest, NC, 27587. Facebook link:  https://fb.me/e/2lBR1rMet

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brads’ memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html  or  to the Gideon’s International at https://www.gideons.org/donate.