David Bradshaw

David Ray Bradshaw, 62, fought a strong and courageous fight for his life until the very end. Surrounded by those who loved him most, David passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at a Dallas hospital.

David was born on February 13, 1963, in Abilene, Texas, to Ronnie and Barbara (Crossland) Bradshaw. He graduated from Cooper High School in 1981. Not long after, he married his childhood neighbor and his sister’s best friend, Jill Ann Miller. What began as a young love quickly grew into a lifelong partnership rooted in devotion, loyalty, and unshakable love.

David was a true example of strength, enduring and overcoming many challenges thrown his way. He lived a full and passionate life, with many hobbies and interests that brought him joy. He spent countless hours restoring old trucks and hanging out at cruise night with his family. He had a soft spot for animals of all kinds—doves, chickens, raccoons, and especially pit bulls.

A die-hard Evel Knievel fan, David built a beloved collection of memorabilia. He also had a lifelong love for professional wrestling. In fact, to the surprise of his family, he even enrolled in wrestling school and stepped into the ring himself on more than one occasion.

David spent the majority of his working life in the oil industry, running a tight crew on many rigs while working for Ringo Drilling and Blue Line Drilling, alongside Ronnie, Kevin, and DJ. He held deep respect for his boss and close friend, Sonny, and truly valued the camaraderie, grit, and sense of purpose that came with his time at Ringo. Later in life, he joined his family’s long-running business, The Dixie Pig Restaurant, working alongside his mother Barbara and his daughter Krista.

David lived with an unwavering love for his family. He was a devoted dad to DJ and Krista, but his most cherished role was as “Big Papa.” His granddaughter Saylor, his “best girl,” lit up his world. He also deeply loved every moment spent with his grandsons and sidekicks, Gatlin, Jaxon, and one on the way.

A true mama’s boy, he adored his mother and carried her love with him always.

David is reunited in heaven with his father, Ronnie Bradshaw; his younger brothers, Kevin and Scott Bradshaw; his grandparents, Raymond and Faye Crossland, Jerri Armstrong, and Bill Bradshaw; and his mother-in-law, Loretta “Sissy” Miller.

He is survived by his mother, Barbara Bradshaw; his beloved wife, Jill; his children, DJ Bradshaw and wife Andrea, and Krista Martin and husband Trevor; his grandchildren, Saylor, Gatlin, and Jaxon; his sister, Lisa (Bradshaw) Dabney and husband Donny; his father-in-law, Donald Miller; his brother-in-law, Chuck Miller and wife VaLynda; his sister-in-law, Marcy Hoyt and husband Scott; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and his cherished Dixie Pig family.

If David ever gave you a hard time, it was because he truly liked you. He connected with people through pranks, storytelling, and laughter. David faced many health trials with faith, courage, and an unshakable belief in God’s plan. In moments of weakness, he found strength in reading his Bible and praying, finding peace and comfort in his relationship with his Lord and Savior.

On his final earthly day, David made sure to call those near and dear to him—personally telling them they were the best and that he loved them. He encouraged the little ones to read their Bibles, and with a wink of wisdom, reminded them, “If you’re going to do something wrong—think about it.” That was David—loving, honest, and always full of heart.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in David’s memory to the American Heart Association, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to your favorite animal rescue organization in honor of his love for animals.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the cardiology doctors, nurses, and therapists at Roberts Hospital, Baylor Scott & White in Dallas for their compassionate care and support.

Pallbearers will be: Chuck Miller, Jakeb Miller, Chad Anders, Marc McKelvey, Terry Fields, and Renee Garcia

Though David may have left this world, his spirit lives on—soaring like an eagle, free and full of life, just as he always was.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

“Even young men shall fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like an eagle, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” — Isaiah 40:30–31

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene, Texas.

A Celebration of Life will follow on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 2:00 pm, at Broadview Baptist Church, 2500 S 27th St., Abilene, Texas, with Pastor David Cason officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.