Ernest "Joe" Brafford

Ernest "Joe" Brafford, 70, of Gastonia, passed away June 20, 2017 at Caromont Regional Medical Center.

He was born November 28, 1946, in Gaston County, the son of the late Ernest Ray and Betty Beal Brafford.

Joe was a longtime faithful member of Lowell Church of God and a former member of Linwood Church of God, where he was a youth leader for many years.  Joe was a devoted Christian and family man.  He was employed with AB Carter and Freightliner.  He was also in the Army National Guard.  He loved his pets dearly, was a musician and loved to sing and play his trumpet.  He loved the outdoors and trucks.

Left to cherish his memories are his sister, Bobbie Brafford Baldwin; numerous nieces and nephews; several brother-in-law's and sister-in-law's and life-long special friend, Charles Lawrence.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 48 years, Gail Heffner Brafford; brother, Billy Page Brafford and sister, Johnnie Brafford Reid.

A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, June 23rd at Lowell Church of God, officiated by the Rev. Wade Easom, the Rev. Andy Nicholson and Pastor Joe Heffner.

The family will receive friends 11 – 12:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Lowell Church of God, 804 W. 1st Street, Lowell, NC 28098 or American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Burial will be in Gaston Memorial Park.

Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral and Crematorium, Gastonia.