Bradford Lee Busbee, 56, passed away at a Tyler hospital on July 12, 2026.

Bradford was born on November 28, 1969, in Tyler, Texas, to Ronald Dale Busbee and Brenda Dobbs Busbee. He spent all of his life in Quitman, Texas, where he became known as a man who lived life on his own terms. Strong-willed, determined, and resilient, Bradford faced life's greatest challenges with remarkable courage. Even when the road became difficult, he never quit fighting, holding onto hope and giving everything he had until the very end.

From the time he could walk, Bradford was captivated by trucks. What began as a childhood fascination became a lifelong passion. Peterbilt trucks were always his favorite, and there was never any doubt that trucking was more than a career to him—it was who he was. The open road, the sound of a diesel engine, and the pride of driving a big rig brought him a happiness that few things could match.

Above everything else, Bradford dearly loved his son, Cole. Being Cole's father was one of the greatest blessings of his life, and that love never wavered. He was also incredibly proud to be "Papa" to his grandson, Waylon Lee, who brought him great joy.

Bradford was a man of few words, but the words he spoke carried weight. He was honest, straightforward, and genuine, yet always had a joke to share. You never had to wonder where you stood with him because he always told you the truth. Those who knew him understood that beneath his tough exterior was a funny man with a loyal heart that cared deeply for the people he loved.

One of the greatest blessings in Bradford's life came in recent years when he accepted the Lord as his Savior. His newfound faith brought peace to his heart and hope to his spirit, leaving his family with the comfort of knowing that his journey did not end here.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Dale Busbee; his grandparents, Alvin Lee and Dorothy McKenzie Busbee, Wayne and Francis Henderson Watson; and his grandfather, Herschel Dobbs.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving mother, Brenda Dobbs Busbee of Longview; his beloved son, Cole L. Busbee and wife Aria; his grandson, Waylon Lee Busbee; mother of Cole and lifetime friend Chanda Davis Busbee; his sister, Angie Busbee Perez and husband, Fidel, of Allen; his brother, Joe Busbee and wife, Vanessa, of El Paso; his nieces, Breana Perez and Ivy and Sunny Busbee; his nephew, Kane Busbee; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Though Bradford's journey on earth has come to an end, those who loved him will forever remember the determined man who never stopped fighting, whose love for family ran deep, whose passion for trucks defined much of his life, and whose faith gave him peace in the end. May he now travel roads without pain, resting safely in the presence of his Lord.

A funeral service for Bradford will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Lowe-Gardner Funerals & Cremations in Quitman, Texas. Interment will follow at Quitman City Cemetery.