Larry is a native of Bradford and graduated BHS in 1971. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree at UTM in December 1976.
Gwen first heard of Bradford as an elementary schooler (her best friend’s grandmother lived here). She graduated from Covington High School and then continued her education at UTM, which is where she met Larry. She first visited Bradford when Larry brought her home to meet his parents. They, of course, served her Doodle Soup and thankfully she liked it!!
Larry and Gwen married in March 1978 and decided to make Bradford their home to raise two wonderful children (Will and Laura). Since then, they have been promoted to Grandparents of 8 grandchildren.
Larry worked with Bradford Truck Service from 1979-1997. He then earned his teaching certificate at UTM in December of 1999 and returned to Bradford Special School District in 2003. Larry played many different roles at Bradford School: History Teacher, Baseball Coach, Gold Coach, BHS Principal, BES Principal, Supervisor of buses/maintenance/safety.
Gwen was a Registered Nurse for most of her career and also taught nursing at Union. Fun Fact: She was the first school nurse at Bradford Special School District!
Outside of their careers, they were both very involved in the community. Larry served as President of the Bradford Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Gibson County Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Homecoming 86 celebration in Bradford, Mayor and Alderman of Bradford, board member of Bradford Special School District, is currently an active Deacon at First Baptist Church in Bradford, and also serves on the Weakley County Municipal Electric Board of Directors. Fun Fact about Larry: He co-organized and coached the first t-ball team in Bradford! Gwen served as a charter member of Bradford Lioness Club, taught the youth group and the senior adult women’s class at First Baptist Church, coached the girl’s summer league softball, and enjoyed cheering on the girls’ basketball team!
Larry and Gwen have always been positive citizens of the community and great role models for everyone to look up to. We appreciate everything they have done for the Bradford Community.
We look forward to honoring them during the 2024 Doodle Soup Days!
