Bradford “Brad” Lee Scarbrough, 69, of Whitesboro, Texas, passed away on January 29, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by intelligence, curiosity, faith, and a deep appreciation for both the land he loved and the world around.

Brad was born in Sherman, Texas, to Burrell Scarbrough and Mary (Riddle) Scarbrough. A proud lifelong Texan with deep roots in Grayson County, he served as an ambassador of his home as he traveled the world. Highly intelligent and endlessly curious, Brad immersed himself in new experiences to know the world. He traveled extensively throughout his life, drawn especially to historic places, ancient cultures, and landscapes rich with history and tradition. Brad found meaning in understanding how people lived, worked, and believed.

These journeys along with his wife, Marcia—his best friend and companion, embraced travel not as a luxury, but as a way of learning and later sharing. Brad delighted in returning home with stories and insights, eager to share what he had discovered and the perspectives he had gained.

Brad’s life reflected the same thoughtful craftsmanship he admired abroad. He was further defined by strength of character and perseverance he learned as a young man peanut farming and ranching.  Years later, he took those experiences and opened an inn reflecting these with his wife. For 25 years he loved making guests feel welcome and part of his family. This inn was a venture born of creativity and hard work; Brad was deeply hands-on in all he did and took great pride in building something lasting with care and integrity. He loved creating with his own hands and believed deeply in honest work. His faith was central to his life, and he was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Muenster, Texas, where his beliefs guided both his daily actions and his long view of life.

Brad was preceded in death by his father, Burrell Scarbrough, and his uncle, J.B. Scarbrough. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Marcia Scarbrough; his mother, Mary Scarbrough; his sister, Beth Marshall and husband, Mark; his brother, Bart Scarbrough and wife, Judy; his sons, Jeff Scarbrough and wife, Stacy; Nathan Scarbrough and wife, Kandi; Thomas Smith and wife, Gwen; and Jordan Smith and wife, Masha; his daughters, Christin Howard and husband, Justin, and Shelly Scarbrough; twelve grandchildren—Call, Shelbi, Magan, Colt, Cade, Chloe, Audrey, Jackson, Cash, Jade, Cadey, and McKinley—as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Whitesboro, officiated by Father Castaneda. Interment will follow at Mt. Tabor Cemetery in Sandusky. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Friday. A reception will follow at noon.

Brad will be remembered as a man who honored his roots, cherished his family, and believed deeply in God and experiencing the world he created—its history, its cultures, and its people. His life was both firmly grounded and wonderfully far-reaching, and his legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, the stories he shared, and the enduring example of a life well lived.