Born in Cleveland, Ohio, 55 years ago, Brad was a talented musician on guitar, piano and vocals. He loved to perform and entertain. Performing music in the deep south (Savannah/Statesboro) with his towering 6’5” frame, strumming his electric guitar and belting out country and rock, the marquee at every honky tonk emblazoned Brad as the “The Big Show”. And he wrote music, too, as many of the songs he played were his creation.

Brad was also a talented athlete on ice and snow. On the slopes in Colorado, he was an accomplished skier, especially on the moguls. On the ice in hockey, his slap shot on goal resembled a flash of Texas lightning and sounded like a crash of thunder.

During his teens growing up in Austin, he was a master at video games, as his name was shown as the top scorer at every public video game arcade in town. Brad was the ultimate people person, with a radiant personality that lit up every room, and everyone there would remember him fondly.

Brad will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

School did not come easily to Brad in his early years, but he persevered and ultimately earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Management from Georgia Southern University. It was during this time that he met his wife, Jennifer. They married and went on to build a family together, raising two children, Erika and Charlie, who were Brad’s greatest pride and inspiration.

Brad and Jennifer later worked for the same company, with Jennifer serving as designer and Brad as construction manager. They made a wonderful professional team and shared many years of both work and family life.

Brad also faced the challenges of addiction with courage and determination. His own journey in recovery became an important part of his life, and for many years, he was a tremendous source of support, encouragement and friendship to others in the sober community. After suffering a back injury at work, Brad unfortunately relapsed while taking pain medication. Despite this difficult setback, he found his way back to recovery. He spent the final two years of his life in recovery, living in Chicago co-parenting his children with Jennifer and working for C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

Brad absolutely adored his daughter, Erika (15), and his son, Charlie (14), who survive him along with their mother, Jennifer Remillard Paddock. Brad is also survived by his mother and father, Karolyn and Bill Paddock; and his siblings, Barbara Paddock George and Ben Paddock; as well as his brother-in-law, Billy George; and his sister-in-law, Lori Paddock; and his nephews and nieces, Thomas George, Abby George, Sunshine Paddock and William Paddock, all of whom reside in Austin. His favorite aunt, Joanna Pinkham; and uncle, Bill Mather; also survive him.

A memorial service will be held at Park Ridge Community Church, 100 Courtland Avenue, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068 on Saturday, October 17, at 2 p.m.

office@parkridgecommunitychurch.org, (847) 823-3164.

Statesboro Herald, October 8, 2026

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