John “Rod” Rodman Bradshaw, Jr., 84

Published 8:29 am Tuesday, March 18, 2025

John “Rod” Rodman Bradshaw, Jr., 84, of Lincoln County, KY passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025. Born on December 7, 1940 in Stanford to the late John, Sr. and Elizabeth Pettus Bradshaw. He is the widower to his first wife, Nancy Woodall Bradshaw and his second wife, Linda Pritchett Bradshaw.

Rod was born in Stanford, Kentucky and was a 1958 graduate of Stanford High School. He was a long-time member of the Boy Scouts of America and was a recipient of the God and Country award. Rod attended both Mars Hill College and Cumberland College where he received an associate’s degree in math and physics. Rod served in the US Air Force from 1959 to 1964 as an electronic warfare officer and flight navigator and received a commission as 2nd Lieutenant. After leaving the USAF, Rod worked for BellSouth for 25 years as an electronics engineer. After retirement, Rod served as a Stanford city councilman, and later served as mayor from 1999-2002. He and his wife, Nancy, owned several businesses in Stanford, including Gilliland Flowers after purchasing from the Gilliland family. Rod married Nancy Woodall on June 6, 1964; they were married forty-five years, until her passing in 2009. He remarried in 2010 to Linda Pritchett of Danville and was married until her passing in 2022.

Rod was a dedicated member of the American Legion, Post 18 of Stanford where he served on the honor guard and as Deputy Commander of the American Legion of Kentucky, District 8. Rod was a member of Stanford Rotary Club and was a Master Mason and member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Kentucky and Louisiana.

Rod is survived by his four daughters: Amanda (Craig) Lott, Julia Kathryn (Drew) Murphy, Susan Rebecca (Jack) Cates. Lynn (Aaron) Hawkins; his 10 grandchildren: Valerie Lott (Timothy Peoples), Catie Lott, Sarah Grace Lott, Jordan (Rafael) Scharan, Megan Murphy (Cameron Wall), Heather (Jake) Mauchline, Dylan Henson, Joseph Hortin, John Hortin, Lydia Thompson; 6 great-grandchildren: Eli, Leah, Alison, Aubree, Arthur, and Wesley; and his faithful companion, Pete the cat.

In addition to his spouse’s and parents, he is also preceded in death by two sisters, Julia Ann Young and Betsy Pettus Bryan.

Visitation will be on Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Spurlin Funeral Home in Stanford, KY. A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville, KY.

Active Pallbearers and Full Military Honors will be conducted by Caswell Saufley Post 18

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to:

American Legion Post 18, S.I. Young, 7805 Somerset Rd., Waynesburg, KY 40489

Heritage Hospice, 120 Enterprise Dr., Danville, KY 40422

Stanford Baptist Church, 204 Church St., Stanford, KY 40484