Gerald Franklin Bradley

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00AM Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel in Eupora, Mississippi. Burial with Military Honors will be at Old Greensboro Cemetery in Webster County. Visitation will be from 6:00PM to 8:00PM Friday, June 7, 2024, at Oliver Funeral Home. Oliver Funeral Home of Eupora is in charge of all arrangements. Gerald Bradley was remarkable man— smart, loving and generous. Gerald Franklin Bradley was born February 16, 1936 in Pontotoc County, MS to Andrew Thomas Bradley and Melissa Christine Self Bradley. After the death of his father when he was only 13, the family had to pick cotton to survive. Dad spoke of living in homes with cardboard walls. He knew this was not the life he wanted and he joined the ROTC in school and joined the Air Force after high school to see the world and get an education. This changed his circumstance for himself and his future generations. He remained in the Air Force for 23 years retiring in 1976. Gerald met the love of his life, Kathleen Stephenson, in Great Falls, MT in 1962. He saw her on ladder washing windows in short pants and he said that was it for him. They were married for 56 years. When she passed in 2018, he said there would never be anyone else for him. Gerald passed away on June 3, 2024 at the State Veterans Home at the age of 88 in Kosciusko, MS. He is survived by two daughters; Vickie (Thomas) Duesman, Fort Worth, TX & Leanne (Randy) McGarr, Eupora, MS, an adored grandson; Kenneth Duesman, and two nephews; Brad and Steven Bradley. He is preceded in death by his parents; Andrew Thomas Bradley and Melissa Christine Self Bradley, his loving wife; Kathleen Bradley and one brother; Garland Bradley. Those who knew him knew that he was a funny, intelligent, kind, loving and loyal man who was able to see the world and experience life in other cultures. He was a beloved Father to his girls and supported, encouraged, and mentored them with truth and honesty about life. He wanted his girls to have fun and live life to the fullest. He encouraged them to travel, learn about music and the arts and to get an education. Gerald loved God, enjoyed Bible Studies and spirited discussions. He had a passion for Airplanes, Guns and Music. He continued to learn throughout his life and was proud to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Mississippi State University at the age of 50. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends but his legacy will live on through his Children and Grandson. He is now with the Lord having completed a life well lived on this Earth.