Robert L. Bradley

Published 7:17 am Thursday, July 17, 2014

Robert L. Bradley of Elizabethton, Tenn., went home to glory in Kissimmee, Fla., on Sunday, July 13, 2014, doing what he treasured most, spending time with his family.
He was born on January 18, 1937 to the late Ella and Roy Bradley of Watauga, Tenn. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by eight brothers, J.C. Moton, Randolph Bradley, Octave Bradley, Harold Bradley, Roy Bradley Jr., Shad Moton, Roland Bradley and Donald Bradley; one sister, Louise Logan; sons, John Bradley and Gaylon McConnell; and daughter, Linda Bradley.
Robert was a devoted husband and an excellent father. His family always dined together every Sunday after church. He loved to spend time in his garden growing produce to can for the entire family.
Robert was a member of Phillippi Missionary Baptist Church where he loved singing in the Men’s Chorus, served on the Usher board, and was also the church treasurer. He worked diligently in the church’s food ministry.
Robert retired from Tennessee Eastman Company after 25 years of service. He also worked at Beaunit Mills and Bonanza restaurant.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Carolyn Machen Bradley; son, Antony (Pamela) Bradley, Lathrup Village, Mich.; daughters, Margaret (Stan) Cannon, Kingsport, Tenn., Gwendolyn (Ron) Smith, Johnson City, Tenn., S. Robin (Wayne) Franklin, Johnson City, Tenn., and Judy (William) Stover, Versailles, Ky.; a sister, Billie Barkley, Columbus, Ohio; a brother, Ray (Liz) Bradley, Detroit, Mich.; a sister-in-law, Wilhelmina Bradley, Dayton, Ohio; grandchildren, Trina and Lee Mutts, Neal (Hannah) Bradley, Justin and Jordan Cannon, Paige and Alison Franklin, Aaron Stover, Braxton Gaitor, Amaris and Camden Bradley, Marley, Kingston and Kallon McConnell; a special grand-nephew, Bradlee Ferguson; seven great-grandchildren; and special brothers-in-law and sisters-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family will greet guests and share memories from 12 to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, at Phillippi Missionary Baptist Church, Elizabethton, Tenn. A celebration of life service will begin at 1 p.m. with Rev. Joseph Holifield officiating. Interment will follow at Happy Valley Memorial Park, Elizabethton.
Professional Services provided by Birchette Mortuary Inc., 219 E. Millard Street, Johnson City, Tenn., (423) 926-6013. www.birchettemortuary.com