Chief James Radford

With profound sadness, the staff of Shackleford-Howell Funeral Home and the Wayne County Fire Marshall's Office announces the line of duty death of Chief James "Monk" Radford from Polly Watson Volunteer Fire Department.

Chief Radford passed away while responding to a call Saturday, February 5, 2022. 

Funeral service to honor and celebrate his life will be held Friday, February 11, 2022 at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Shackleford-Howell Funeral Home, 102 N. Pine Street in Fremont. Visitation will follow the service.  

A family graveside service will be held Saturday at his home with honors from the Fire Department Honor Guard including The Last Call.  All fire department, law enforcement and other first responders are asked to assemble at Shackleford-Howell Funeral Home on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. to prepare for his final journey for the graveside service with his casket carried aboard his firetruck.  Friends may assemble at 10:15 a.m. along E. Main Street and N. Sycamore Street in Fremont to show their love, support and say farewell to Chief Radford for his dedication, sacrifice and commitment to his community throughout the years.    

Chief Radford was born September 4, 1958 in Johnston County to the late Willie and Cassie Radford.

He retired from Fremont Volunteer Fire Department and was currently Chief of Polly Watson Volunteer Fire Department.  He will be missed by all.

Chief Radford is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Radford; one son, James Dustin Radford of Princeton and fiancée, Katelyn; one brother, Shelton Radford and wife, Nancy of Kenly; three sisters, Shirley Collier of Selma, Frances Baker and husband, L.C. of Kenly and Amy Anderson of Kenly; three grandchildren; Kayleigh Lynn Radford, Makena Radford and Kollin Radford and a host of nieces and nephews, close friends and his Fire Department family.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a host of brothers and sisters.

Services entrusted to the care of Shackleford-Howell Funeral Home, 102 N. Pine Street in Fremont.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chief James Radford, please visit our floral store.