William Bert Bradley

Major William Bert Bradley, age 78, of Marcellus, was called home to his Lord and Savior on December 6, 2017. He was born in Paw Paw on May 29, 1939 to the late Butch and Hazel Wilson. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Anne Bradley November 10, 2016. Bill and Anne had two sons, Anthony (Allison) Bradley and Rodney Bradley, one granddaughter, Sarah (Andy) Brown.  Bill also leaves his brother, Ed (Joan) Bradley and his sister, Connie Wilson. Major Bradley was blessed to have a family of role models to mentor him, he enjoyed a diverse lifestyle and career. Following graduation from Paw Paw High School in 1957, he attended a theological seminary in Grand Rapids Michigan. He then joined the U.S. Army Signal Corp in 1961 and served with distinction and honor for 20 years. During the Vietnam Conflict 360 Battlefield Commissions were awarded, only 38 of those to African-American Soldiers. William Bradley was the recipient of one of these awards. This confirmed for William, what grandpa Ampey had always known that “William was born to lead”. Prior to retirement from the Army, Major Bradley earned a B.S. Degree from Troy State University, graduating Maqam Cumulate. Following his retirement from the military in 1981, Major Bradley began his second career as a Government System Analysts and Software Development Manager for GTE. He retired from GTE with a distinguished list of certifications.  He has many years of community service. He was a strong believer in supporting youth enrichment programs and believed in growth and advancement for all. He has served on the Van Buren County Mental Health Board and as a substitute teacher for Van Buren County. A man of discipline and self-determination, always sharing the goodness God has bestowed upon him and his family. Galatians 5:22 would best describe Major Bradley, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, faithfulness, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. The family will receive friends on Friday, December 15, 2017 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, where a funeral service will commence at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Shannon Truelove officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.