William B. Bradford, Sr., was born June 4, 1937, in Elmore City, Alabama to Mose and Rose Bradford. His family moved to Clairton, Pennsylvania at the age of 5, where he started grade school at Shaw Avenue.

“Bee” as he was affectionately called, was an honor student. He attended Clairton High School where he was captain of the basketball team, the powerful #25, and a key player on the baseball team. After graduating, Bee was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and the United States Military. He served in the Air Force from 1956-1960. Bee was well-known for being a good athlete.  He was able to travel playing both baseball and basketball while in the service.

In 1962, Bee moved to New York, where he worked as a tile maker at Kentile. He desired more of a challenge and became a mailman for the Postal Service. After a few years, Bee found himself changing careers and started working for the New York City Transit Authority, until he retired. Although he was not able to play for the Pirates, he was able to join the Old Timers Fast-Pitch Softball Team traveling to Puerto Rico for games. Bee returned home to Clairton and started a new chapter in his life by serving his community. He opened Bee’s Laundromat, helped start the Recycling Plant, Tool Library, and was instrumental in the Rehab for Resale Housing Project, which improved the quality of life in the city.

It was no secret that Bee loved the kids, he was looked up to as a mentor, and father figure. Mr. Bee, as the youth called him, was pivotal in revitalizing the Youth Football and Basketball Leagues, after they had been defuncted for several years.

Bee’s commitment to youth development extended beyond sports—he organized summer leagues, devoted countless hours at the school’s annex program, and was a regular presence at school board meetings, always advocating for better opportunities for Clairton’s children. . He even served as an official School Board member for several years. His dedication inspired a generation of young people to pursue education, teamwork, and kindness.

Above everything else, Bee loved his family.  He looked forward to seeing his children and grandchildren come home, giving them tickets to visit Kennywood. Family gatherings gave him pure joy; he would rent the Main Lodge at Clairton Park just to have a bar-b-cue. A man of many talents, Bee was also known for his quick wit, and love of music. Bee’s generosity and unwavering support left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

July 19, 2025, was a sad day, as Bee took his last breath here on Earth. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mose and Rose Bradford, wife, Paulette Bradford, brothers, Solomon, Harris, John Wesley, Clarence; sisters, Annie Ruth Bryant, Mary Alice; stepson, Joseph McKenzie and nephew, Robert Canady.

Bee touched so many, his memories will be cherished by his children, Shaun (Timothy) Edwers of SC, William (Stephanie) Bradford of NY, Kevin (LoLisa) Bradford of FL, Cecila Nelson of TX, Darius (Kawaki) Bradford of PA, Rose (Jason) Bradford of PA; bonus children, Artrena McKenzie, Willie Armstrong; 31 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; devoted companion, Chrystal Ingram; sister, Mary Lou Cunningham, sister-in-law, Brenda Bradford; host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.