Charles Radford

Charles (Raymond) Radford, 64, of Salem, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 with his loving and faithful wife by his side as he went to meet his Lord and Savior. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Sabrina; daughters, Whitney Lawrence and Ashley Radford; son, Patrick Derriso; mother, Pauline Radford; two sisters, Doris Fulcher and Lovanda Meldick; four grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Raymond graduated from Andrew Lewis High School and served his country during the Vietnam Conflict. He received a Bronze Star and Silver Leaf Cluster for courageous service over and beyond the call of duty. He was a Deacon at Valley Word Church before becoming ill. Serving our Lord by helping others was his hearts desire. He never shied away from hard work and he always gave everything his all. Raymond loved God, his family and his friends. His laughter and smiling face will be missed by everyone who loved him. Say not in grief that he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 12, 2013 from 6 until 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son funeral home in Salem. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, December 13, 2013 at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Eddie Crabtree officiating. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Roanoke where military rights will also be conducted. In lieu of flowers donations will be accepted towards funeral service expenses made payable to John M. Oakey & Son in care of Charles Radford at 305 Roanoke Blvd in Salem, VA 24153. An online guestbook is available by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.