Rodney Jerome Bradford was born on September 16, 1963, in Chicago, IL to the union of David and Helen Bradford. He was one of six children. Rodney accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at J. Claude Allen C.M.E. Church. Rodney graduated from Thornton High School. In 1982, he went to serve his country in the United States Army. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1985. Rodney was the type of person who said what was on his mind. He lived his life to the fullest. Even though he had several health challenges later in life, he always loved his beer and bacon. He was a Chicago sports fan through and through, he loved the Chicago Bears as well as the Chicago White Sox. He was an avid reader and had to have his Chicago Sun-Times every day. Rodney was a hard worker and great provider for his family. He was a very resourceful and worked all his life at various jobs including Illini Coolant Services and later becoming self-employed. On Wednesday, June 30, 2021, the Lord called Rodney home. He is now free from suffering and pain. He was preceded in death by his father, David Bradford. Rodney leaves to cherish his memories his loving mother, Helen; his children, Amina, Anissa, Rodney, and Antonio; siblings, David, Earl, Anthony, Angela (William), Benita and Jacqueline (Chris); a special person, Karina Salazar with whom he shared his life; a host of nieces and nephews, great-nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. Rodney touched many lives and if you are with us this day in body of though, then we know you will always keep a part of him near your heart. Visitation for Rodney will be on Thursday, July 8, 2021, from 11:00-11:30 A.M. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Funeral service will immediately follow at 11:30 A.M. also at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL at 1:30 P.M. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.