Joe Barnett Bradshaw

Joe Barnett Bradshaw, 75, of Charleston, Miss., died at this home Tuesday, November 1, 2011.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 12 p.m. at Strider Academy. Visitation will be held at Strider Academy from 10 until 12 p.m. Thursday. A graveside service will be held at Oddfellows Cemetery in Macon, MS., Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 2 p.m. Memorials may be made to Strider Academy. Newsom Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


Joe was the son of Dr. George Barnett and Iva Fay Calloway Bradshaw. Born May 21, 1936 in Memphis, TN, he lived most of his young life in Macon, Mississippi. He graduated from Noxubee High School in 1954. He served in US Army from 1955-1957. His formal education included a Bachelor of Science Degree from Miss. State University in 1961 and a Masters of Education from Delta State University in 1977.

Joe was a school headmaster, coach and teacher. His longest tenure was at Strider Academy in Charleston, MS where he served from 1972-2010. He also coached at Aliceville High School in Aliceville, Al; Noxubee High School in Macon, MS; and North Panola High School in Sardis, Miss. His athletes, his students, and his children were his pride, joy and dedicated purpose. He impacted the lives of many.

Joe served as an active member of the Mississippi Private School Association. An award is presented in his name to an outstanding educator and administrator who exemplifies leadership, loyalty, and dedication. In 1994, he was the “winningest coach” in the state of Mississippi, and was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. In 2011 he was ranked 14th in the nation in all-time career football victories with 371 wins.

Joe is survived by three children; Lynn Hays(Will), Brad Bradshaw(Sandra), and Barbara Kelly(Jim). He is also survived by six grandchildren; Brandon, Taylor, and Will Hays; Anna Bradshaw, and Caroline and Colin Kelly.