Jerry E. Bradley's Obituary
BRADLEY, Jerry E., age 83, of Waynesville, passed away Saturday, October 15, 2022.
Jerry graduated as the class president from Waynesville High School, class of ’57. He honorably served in the United States Army following high school. He retired from GM - Delco Moraine in 1991 after 30 years of service. Jerry was a member of the Heritage Christian Church in Bellbrook and the Waynesville American Legion Post 615.
During his high school days, he was a star athlete, competing in basketball, baseball, and track. In 1954 and 1956, his basketball teams were the county champs. In baseball, he threw a no-hitter against Jamestown during his varsity career. As a true Spartan fan, he helped assist in starting both the youth soccer program and the youth baseball program. In addition, along with his brother, Kenny, he helped pay for the lights at the old football field and also helped fund the bleachers for the new field in 1999. He was a fixture at the school in the stands, even when the team traveled to other schools, rooting on his beloved Spartans his entire life. He was inducted into the Wayne Local Schools Athletic Hall of Fame for his excellence in athletics, as a part of the basketball championship teams, and for his service and support to the school district.
Outgoing, empathetic, selfless, gregarious, loving, and patient, Jerry was the class clown in school, often ornery, but would do anything to help others in need. His favorite hobbies included gardening, mushroom hunting, the outdoors in general, travel, and being a grampy. Driving by his home, you knew that Jerry especially loved growing sweet corn and treating it to friends, family, and those who stopped by his roadside stand. He appreciated classic cars and greatly enjoyed attending classic car shows. In addition, he was the proud owner of a 1964 Pontiac GTO for quite some time. He loved his job at GM and his co-workers, whom he remains close to, which enabled him to travel to Colorado and Arizona often. He often took his family along during those trips to Pikes Peak and Scottsdale to perform brake line tests. The memories made with his family during those trips became one of his fond traditions over the years. Of course, getting his family together during the holidays, especially when both sides of Jerry and Peggy’s family gathered together, became some of his favorite memories. While he was always fond of his car and his three dogs, he was most proud of his family and community, specifically how much he loved supporting them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Imo Bradley; two brothers, Kenny and Dick Bradley; and a special nephew, who Jerry was always close to, Bo Bradley. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Peggy; son, Jeffery Bradley (Ken Halsne); daughter, Jodee (Philip) Ball; five grandchildren, Allyson (Jayson) Barnes, Christopher Bradley, Alyssa Bradley, Carson Ball, and Kendra Ball; two great-grandchildren, Kash and Remi; and one sister, Caroline (Jimmy) Purkey.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Thursday, October 20, at Heritage Christian Church in Bellbrook. David Ladd will be officiating the services. Burial will be in Miami Valley Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends 6 -8 PM Wednesday at the church. If desired, contributions may be made to the Waynesville Athletic Boosters or the Waynesville American Legion Post 615. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Jerry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jerry?
Share a story where Jerry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jerry you’ll never forget.
How did Jerry make you smile?