Royce F. "Brad" Bradshaw Jr.

Royce F. Bradshaw Jr.

SALISBURY —On Monday, June 25, 2012, Royce F. Bradshaw Jr., "Brad" as he was affectionately known, crossed over the bounds of the earthly life to be with his most beloved Lord and Savior. Not wanting to die, but ready when his Master called and needed him, he drifted into the "Clouds of Glory."

Brad was a son of the late Royce F. Bradshaw Sr. and Jewel Alison Stehman Bradshaw, parents whom he cherished so dearly all of his life. Brad was born in Crisfield and always remained very proud of his heritage.

A 1966 graduate of Crisfield High School, Brad loved his classmates. His education included a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Maryland College (McDaniel College), a master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master's degree from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Brad began his career as a sixth-grade teacher at Deal Island School for two years, a job he thoroughly enjoyed. His public service career then led him to become a rehabilitation counselor for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (now DORS) and finally as a juvenile counselor with the Department of Juvenile Services. He so enjoyed working with troubled youth to help them become law-abiding adults.

His memberships included Christ United Methodist Church and the Crisfield BPO Elks Lodge 1044. He proudly held local lodge, district, and grand lodge offices. He was a former member of the Crisfield Kiwanis Club. Brad was listed in the Who's Who of American College Students, and received a Distinguished Scholar Award.

Brad's hobbies included Coca-Cola Christmas collectible tree ornaments, a collection of Department 56's Village, North Pole Series, which he dearly loved, and collecting "dynamite" recipes. He had a passion for good food, especially steamed crabs, barbecue ribs and shellfish. He loved life and always enjoyed a good off-color joke. Brad believed in laughing heartily.

Left behind to cherish his memory is his most beloved wife of 20 years, Heidi, of Salisbury; an adored sister, Tommie Lee Dingbaum and her husband, Tony, of Millersville; special nieces and nephews, Tamara Leigh Rib and her husband, Dave, Thomas A. Dingbaum and his wife, Rebecca, Shane Bradford and his wife, Lisa, and Jennifer Bradford; an aunt, Helen Louise Bradshaw; a cousin with whom he had a "brother and sister" relationship, Elenora "Cookie" Brown; and a "special daughter," "Icy."

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ella Mae Gillette Bradshaw and William Everett Bradshaw, and Jacob Stehman and Oneida Gibson Buse.

Following cremation, there will be a memorial service officiated by Pastor Bill Green on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Salisbury, where friends may call one half hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory be made to Coastal Hospice at the Lake, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802-1733.

Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield. Condolences may be sent to www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com.