Bradford Allen King

Bradford Allen King, affectionately known as Brad, was born on May 20, 1951, in Philadelphia, PA. He was the fourth of ten children born to the late William King Sr. and the Rev. Georgia King.

Brad was called home on Sunday, April 13, 2025—early on Palm Sunday morning. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. A proud Philadelphia native, Brad received his primary education in the Philadelphia public school system. He came to know the Lord at an early age and was baptized alongside his siblings at St. James AME Zion Church.

In his senior years, he recommitted his life to Christ as a member of the Wesley AME Zion Church, where the Reverend Doctor Michael King is the pastor.

Brad loved to entertain. He was wild, funny, and full of life. He enjoyed playing pinochle, cooking for his family, dancing, listening to loud music, and driving fast cars. As an adult, Brad worked in the food and beverage industry, beginning as a local meat delivery driver. Later in life, he became a cook at a restaurant called St. George’s. If you knew Brad, you knew St. George’s. Everyone visited that restaurant at one time or another and likely got a free meal. Brad would always say, “Leave the tip in the menu”—and we all knew what that meant.

Brad was married to Michelle Yellordy, and from their union, two sons were born: James Allen King and Julius Allen King. Brad loved his family deeply and shared countless fond memories with his sons throughout the years.

He is survived by his children, James Allen King (Bernetta) and Julius Allen King (Rebecca); his grandchildren, James, Latifah, Shawn, Raquan, Jasmine, Semaj, Julius, and Juliana; his great aunts, Verdell Sherood, aunt Alice Robinson, His sister- in law Lorene Yellordy, siblings: Patricia (Albert, deceased), William Jr. (Olivia), Shirley (Douglass, deceased), Nadine (Rhonell), Valerie (Samuel), Susan (Moochie), and Arleen (Michael Sr.). He is also remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Cleveland and Matthew.