Jacob Edward Radford

Jacob Edward Radford, born July 18, 1972, in Wylie, TX, passed away on October 1, 2026, at Presbyterian Hospital in Plano, TX, following a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Jacob was a man of few words, but the people who knew him never had to wonder what mattered to him. He loved his family deeply and showed that love in the way he lived—by working hard, taking care of the people and things that mattered to him, and simply being there.

Jacob loved working with his hands and spent his working years in trades that allowed him to do that, including cabinet making, tank car restoration, serving as a yard supervisor for a commercial irrigation company. He was happiest when he had something useful to do. At home, that often meant working in the yard or garden, which he loved to do. He also loved fishing and had recently taken on the challenge of learning to play guitar.

Some of Jacob’s greatest joy came from spending time with his children and grandchildren and sharing with them the simple pleasures of country life. Even when visiting, he wasn't one to sit around when there was a way that he could help. Before long, he could usually be found in the yard or flower beds, making himself useful and lending a hand. That was Jacob. Love was often something he did rather than something he said—helping, fixing, tending, and taking care of the people and places he loved.

Jacob also shared a close bond with his mother, Virginia, and his brothers, Steve and Glen. Those relationships remained a steady and important part of his life through the years and throughout his illness.

Jacob and his wife of seven years, Rebecca Radford, shared a marriage grounded in commitment, loyalty, and a wonderful sense of humor. They made each other laugh constantly and stood by one another through thick and thin. Jacob could be stubborn, something Rebecca knew better than most, and pestering her was one of his favorite ways of showing affection. Teasing and laughter were simply part of the language they shared.

When Jacob learned that his cancer was terminal, he understood what lay ahead, but he was determined to get everything he could out of the life still in front of him. He fought for more time—more time with Rebecca, his children and grandchildren, and all the people he loved.

Rebecca was beside him every step of the way through the difficult decisions, treatments, setbacks, and demands of his illness. Throughout that journey, Jacob and Rebecca were surrounded by the love and support of their families. Rebecca’s mother, Susan Merworth, and her father, Ellis Merworth, provided invaluable support, helping in countless ways as Jacob and Rebecca navigated his illness and care.

Jacob was also blessed with the love, encouragement, and moral support of family and special friends, including his cousins Jeff McCreary and his wife Rebecca, Michael Tucker, and Jonathan Tucker, along with many others who cared for him and his family throughout his illness.

Jacob is survived by his wife, Rebecca Radford; his mother, Virginia Radford of New Boston, TX; his daughter Kayla Brown and her husband, Heath, of Omaha, TX; his daughter Chelsey Vann and her husband, Tanner, of Flint, TX; his daughter Lindsey Greenberg and her husband, Cameron; his brothers, Steve Radford of New Boston, TX, and Glen Radford of Simms, TX; and his beloved grandchildren, Jensen Brown, Barrett Brown, Lennox Brown, Sawyer Vann, Landree Vann, Levi Vann, and Hallie Vann. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Jacob leaves behind more than the things he built, fixed, planted, or tended. He leaves behind a family who knew they were deeply loved, grandchildren who experienced life through his eyes, and countless memories of a quiet, hardworking, stubborn, funny man who didn't need many words to let the people in his life know how much they meant to him.

Service Information

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Sachse, TX.

Jacob will be laid to rest at Creekmore Cemetery in Naples, TX, on Wednesday, October 7 2026 at 12:00 p.m.