Bradford Lawrence Donaldson

Lt. Col. Bradford L. Donaldson (USAR), 50 of Biloxi died Tuesday, September 13, 2016 in Gulfport. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Marvin W. Compton and Dorothy Compton and David L. Donaldson and Illa Boutwell Donaldson. He is survived by his wife, Catherine Keith Donaldson, his five children whom he loved wholly and deeply; Ashley Donaldson, Rebecca Donaldson, Margaret Donaldson, Sarah Donaldson, and Bradford L. Donaldson, Jr.; his parents, William L. Donaldson and Margo A. Donaldson; his sister, Cindy (Lee) Fayard; brother, Mike (Carol) Donaldson; nine nephews and four nieces; as well as two great nieces and one great nephew. He was a graduate of Long Beach High School and attended the University of Mississippi. Brad joined the Army in 1985 and spent the better part of his life serving his country, both on active duty and as a reservist. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for his service in Afghanistan in 2009. In his private sector life, Brad was accomplished in many things entrepreneurial, including owning hotel chains in both Biloxi and Gulfport, South Central Telecommunications, International Financial Services in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Clewer USA Filtration Systems in Bluffton, SC. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 16, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Gulfport where visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m. Interment will be held in the Biloxi National Cemetery with full military honors provided by members of the U.S. Army with whom Brad served. The family prefers memorial donations be made in Brad’s honor to www.woundedwarriorproject.org or PO Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675 Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com