Grayson Vaden Bradshaw

Joe (Grayson V) Bradshaw, III died on January 24, 2026 in Concord, NC following a 14-month battle with bile duct cancer.

Joe was born on November 19, 1955 in Norfolk, VA to Grayson (Bunny) and Eleanor (Sugar) Bradshaw. He graduated from James Barry Robinson and attended Christopher Newport College. On April 8, 1978 he married his childhood sweetheart, Paula Mackey. Joe and Paula had one child, Natalie Marie.

From high school to the early 1980s, Joe worked in the family business, Old Dominion Fish Company. He also worked for George T. McLean Contracting and later for Commercial Ready Mix until his retirement.

Following the loss of Paula, Joe relocated from Virginia Beach to The Villages where he enjoyed days filled with playing golf, touring the community in his golf cart and entertaining friends.

Joe never met a stranger and greeted everyone with a “hello” followed by “have a nice day” when departing”. He was one of the first to start decorating his yard for the holidays with blow-ups starting in the mid 1980’s. What started as a Christmas event grew into decorating his front yard with blow-ups for every holiday.

He was a fan of all sports, especially “Roll Tide” Alabama football and the New York Yankees. While he never bragged about himself, he was very proud to have made 2 holes in one.

Joe was a dedicated son, brother, husband, father, uncle, “grandpa uncle”, but his most cherished role was “Paka” to his grandson Mackey.

In addition to Natalie and Mackey, Joe is survived by his daughter-in-law, Cindy Payne; his mother, Eleanor Bradshaw; sister, Elly Smith; brother, John Bradshaw (Libby); aunt, Connie Arnold; sister-in-law, Pamela Watkins; brothers-in-law, Richard Mackey (Elizabeth) and Michael Mackey (Heather). He is survived by many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews including three he thought of as his own, Amy Nestor, Steve Watkins and his wife Kelly.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.KepnerFH.com