Longtime Hopkinsville Resident Shelia Radford Dies at 80

Radford was a retired bank teller and longtime member of Second Baptist Church.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:44am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph in soft, warm tones depicting the interior of a church, with blurred pews and stained glass windows visible through the hazy light, conveying a sense of reverence and community.The passing of Shelia Radford, a longtime pillar of the Hopkinsville community, marks the end of an era for this small Kentucky town.Hopkinsville Today

Shelia Wallace Radford, a lifelong resident of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at the age of 80. Radford had a long career as a bank teller and was an active member of her local church. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, her two children, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Why it matters

Radford's passing marks the end of an era for the Hopkinsville community, as she was a fixture in the town for decades through her work, church involvement, and family ties. Her life story reflects the changing economic and social landscape of small-town Kentucky over the past half-century.

The details

Radford worked as a bank teller for several local financial institutions over the course of her career, including First City Bank, Area Bank, and BB&T. She was also a longtime member of Second Baptist Church in Hopkinsville. Radford was preceded in death by her brother and half-sister, and is survived by her husband Larry, their two children, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

  • Shelia Radford passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
  • Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

The players

Shelia Wallace Radford

An 80-year-old lifelong resident of Hopkinsville, Kentucky who worked as a bank teller and was an active member of Second Baptist Church.

Larry Radford

Shelia Radford's husband of 60 years.

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What they’re saying

“Shelia was a pillar of our community for decades. She will be deeply missed.”

— Rev. David Tucker, Pastor, Second Baptist Church

The takeaway

Radford's life story reflects the changing economic and social landscape of small-town Kentucky over the past half-century, as she maintained a steady presence in the Hopkinsville community through her work, church involvement, and family ties.