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Brad Whitfield remembered through CCCC Foundation

03.16.2018 • College & Community, College General

SANFORD - Bradley Keith Whitfield distinguished himself as a student at Central Carolina Community College, graduating from the college's Motorcycle Mechanics program.

Whitfield, 26, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 20, following a single motor vehicle accident. His parents, Keith and Rhonda Whitfield of Apex, are establishing a scholarship in his memory at his alma mater through the CCCC Foundation.

Brad Whitfield was born on Feb. 17, 1992, in Durham. He was a graduate of Northwood High School in Pittsboro in 2010. Besides his time as a student at CCCC, he attended additional training with Harley-Davidson at schools in Wisconsin, Florida, and Massachusetts, and achieved Master Mechanic Recognition on Feb. 2, 2017.

After graduation from CCCC, he worked at Shelton Harley-Davidson of Durham. From there, he was hired at Tobacco Road Harley-Davidson (formerly Ray Price Harley-Davidson). He also served on the building team, winning many ingenuity awards and awards for his building skills. He was a talented and respected technician in the H-D world.

"Brad Whitfield was naturally talented when it came to motorcycles. He was a leader," said Stan Thompson, CCCC Lead Motorcycle Mechanics Instructor.

Wayne Graham, who was one of Brad's Motorcycle Mechanics teachers at CCCC, said, "I taught Brad in the Motorcycle Mechanics program. Brad was an outstanding student and a great young man. He was quiet, hard working -- one of the best students I ever had in over 30 years. He improved to the level of Master Tech while working at Ray Price Harley-Davidson in Raleigh. I am glad I had the opportunity to teach Brad. I will miss him."

On Aug. 20, 2016, he married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Bailey. She was the love of his life. They lived in Sanford with their dogs -- Macy, Sadie, and Nacho. He and Bailey adored their dogs and life together. Brad could often be found at the horse barn helping Bailey with her business. He was a loving husband, son, and friend.

Brad was a hard worker and had a passion like no other. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, dirt bikes, and 4-wheelers with his buddies. He liked fishing at the coast with his dad and boating with his parents. Brad had an infectious smile and a witty since of humor.

Brad is survived by his wife, Bailey Bennett Whitfield of Sanford; parents, Keith and Rhonda Whitfield of Apex; grandparents, Wade and Minerva Whitfield of Pittsboro; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Brad was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ann Beckwith Goodwin.

"Brad Whitfield was a proud graduate of the Central Carolina Community College Motorcycle Mechanics program. Brad's parents, Keith and Rhonda Whitfield, are establishing a scholarship in his memory that will help to improve the lives of future CCCC students," said Dr. Emily Hare, CCCC Foundation Executive Director. "Our college family mourns the loss of Brad, but our fond memories of him will remain in our hearts and will live on through this scholarship in his honor."

Anyone who wishes to contribute to the Brad Whitfield scholarship fund can mail a check to the CCCC Foundation, 1105 Kelly Drive, Sanford, N.C. 27330 with Brad Whitfield scholarship in the memo line, call Dr. Hare at 919-718-7230 to make a donation over the phone, or visit the CCCC Foundation website at www.cccc.edu/foundation to make a PayPal gift.

The CCCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with, but independent of, Central Carolina Community College. It receives donations of money and equipment on behalf of the college and uses them to promote its educational mission and assist students through scholarships and grants.

For more information about the Foundation, its work and events, visit www.cccc.edu/foundation. For more information about classes and programs at Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.

Brad Whitfield remembered through CCCC Foundation

Bradley Keith Whitfield distinguished himself as a student at Central Carolina Community College, graduating from the college's Motorcycle Mechanics program. Whitfield, 26, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 20, following a single motor vehicle accident. His parents, Keith and Rhonda Whitfield of Apex, are establishing a scholarship in his memory at his alma mater through the CCCC Foundation. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the Brad Whitfield scholarship fund can mail a check to the CCCC Foundation, 1105 Kelly Drive, Sanford, N.C. 27330 with Brad Whitfield scholarship in the memo line.