Bobby “Bob” Bradley

Bobby “Bob” Bradley, 85, of Morganton died Sunday, November 17, 2019 after a brief battle with cancer. He faced death in a calm, courageous and peaceful manner, based on his deep Christian faith.   Born in Rutherford County, NC on April 18, 1934, he was the fifth of ten children of Gordon Rance Bradley and Ethel Turner Bradley.  Some of his favorite stories involved tales of his adventures with his four brothers and five sisters.  He retired from Great Lakes Carbon with over 30 years of service.

Bob was an active volunteer over the years.   As his girls grew up, he was involved with the Oak Hill PTA, serving as president; and as a youth leader with the North Morganton United Methodist Church UMYF.  After retirement he was active with the Burke AARP, serving as president.  He volunteered at the Burke United Christian Ministries Soup Kitchen, CoMMA Blue Blazers, and at NMUMC.  Bob, his father and brothers, were Masons and Shriners. Bob was a member of Catawba Valley Lodge # 217. He enjoyed his Tuesday and Thursday morning coffee group.

Bob is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Mary Lane Bradley.  For the past three years he cared for her at home as she battles Alzheimer’s Disease.    He is also survived by his daughters, Debbie, Kim, and Mary.   He especially loved his grandsons, Benson Solomon and Andrew Ayers, who he said were his best friends., and their wives, Jesie Solomon and Katie Ayers   He is also survived by his great-granddaughter, Adalie. He is also survived by his brother William Bradley (Dottie), sisters Kathy Lutz (Harry), Martha Henry, and Sue Whealton and numerous nieces and nephews that he considered his children.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, November 22, 2019 at North Morganton United Methodist Church with Rev. Burt Williams and Chaplain Laura Roach officiating.  A gathering of friends will follow in the church fellowship hall.  A private cryptside service will be held at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum with Masonic Rites performed by Catawba Valley Lodge #217.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690, or to North Morganton United Methodist Church, 990 Sanford Drive, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Special thanks are given to Mary’s friend Dr. Rob Stallings, Dawn McGimsey Laura Roach Diane Hamby and other caretakers at Hospice, Susan and Jim Williams and Carol Hurt for their attention and friendship to Bob.