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Erskine Bradley Obituary

GREENSBORO — Erskine Miller Bradley, 69, died March 22 at Moses Cone Hospital.

A memorial service in celebration and thanksgiving for his life will be held at l:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at Saint Francis Episcopal Church, 3506 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC, 27408, with the Reverend Michael Moulden officiating. A reception in the parish hall will immediately follow the service. The burial will be private.

Erskine was born on January 19, 1941 in Roanoke, Virginia to Thomas Miller Bradley and Phyllis Dalmas Bradley.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Doris Cook Bradley, a native of Huntersville; daughter Laura Virginia Bradley Fenn , grandsons James (Jake) Hadley Fenn and Michael Girard Fenn, all of Charlotte. Also surviving are his brother, Frederic Thomas Bradley of Boones Mill, Virginia; nephews Parke Linden Bradley of Horsham, West Sussex, England and Victor Hall Bradley of Roanoke.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Gregory Miller Bradley.

As a "cradle" Episcopalian, Erskine grew up in Roanoke and was a member of Christ Church where he was baptized, confirmed and served as an acolyte. He was a graduate of Jefferson High School, Class of '59; Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia, Class of '63 and was a life member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.

A resident of Greensboro since 1966, Erskine was an Account Manager for Carolina Ribbon for 30 years and for MCPc, Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio for eight years until his retirement in 2006. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Greensboro and a Paul Harris Fellow.

As member of Saint Francis Episcopal Church, he served two terms on the Vestry and a portion of those terms as Junior Warden. At various times Erskine was active in other ministries as a Lector, Stephen Minister, in several Stewardship campaigns and in Cursillo for many years.

He was one of the founding directors of Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro and of the Ronald McDonald House of Durham and served a term as its President.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Saint Francis Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, www.stfrancisgreensboro.org; Ronald McDonald House of Durham, 506 Alexander Ave. Durham, NC 27705, www.ronaldhousedurham.org ; Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave, Greensboro, NC 27405, www.hospicegso.org or a charity of the donor's choice

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Mar. 24, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Erskine Bradley

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ted keaton

March 28, 2010

Doris, we're so sorry to hear about the loss of Erskine. We'll always remember his sweet loving spirit. love from ted and linda keaton

Noreen Strong

March 26, 2010

Doris and Family,

I cannot imagine your sorrow; I am so sad for you and your family and of course Ronald McDonald House. Every time that Erskine showed up at my door my day was as bright as it could be. Erskine was an anchor for me and a trusted friend. We will all miss his wit, wisdom and true compassion for the families who rely on the Ronald McDonald House. Doris, Erskine will always be in my heart and you and your family in my prayers.

Noreen, RMH Durham

Marcie Roberts

March 25, 2010

Doris, Laura, Jake and Michael - I have been thinking about you since I learned of Erskine's passing and especially today as you celebrated his wonderful life. I wish I could have been with you, but will look forward to seeing you soon.

Caroline and I were just saying how we can picture him coming to the doorway of your living room while we were piled up watching videos during one of our many high school sleep-overs. He usually would offer some goofy joke, mostly to embarrass Laura, and then follow it up with his infectious laugh. He had the best laugh. He loved you all as far as the moon and back. He was generous and kind and like a father to me. I am so thankful we were able to visit over the holidays together.

We are holding you all in the Light.

March 25, 2010

Erskine was a quiet, calming, shining light for us all, and it was a privilege to serve with him on many Cursillo weekends. Adios, Erskine. You remain in our hearts.
Genie Carr

March 24, 2010

Doris, Laura, Jake & Michael,

I know your heart must be breaking today, as is ours.

What a wonderful husband, father and grandfather you were privileged to have! And what a blessing he was to us for the over 40+ years we've known him. I remember meeting Erskine for the first time the night Doris also met him for the first time at a party in Richmond, VA. I believe he was smitten with Doris immediately and his love for her remained constant and faithful all these years.

What a wonderful friendship we forged over these many years and our love and admiration for Erskine grew every time we were with him. We always knew the Bradley B&B was available to us at a moment's notice. I remember many mornings sitting at your breakfast room table, reading the paper and sipping coffee. Bill and Erskine could sit in comfortable silence, flipping through the sports and news pages while Doris and I chattered away.

What a wonderful privilege it was to accompany you two to Alaska and what a fun time we had. I know Bill and Erskine were a bit insulted when the naturalist kept talking about bald eagles all the time! Erskine said "she's always bringing up the "B" word"!

You had a husband, father and grandfather of integrity. He was outspoken enough to stand up for his principles, but at the same time he was courteous enough to listen to those of others. A true Southern gentleman.

Jake and Michael, your granddad loved to brag about you and show pictures of you. He thought you were the smartest, cutest and most delightful kids in the world. And Laura, you were the apple of his eye. He would go to the mat for you at the drop of a hat and I know he would have gladly laid down his life for you all.

There is a hole in our hearts today. We are sad beyond words and there will never be anyone we meet who could possibly take Erskine's place. We will miss him passionately. He leaves a great legacy behind and I know a part of him will always be with you.

We love you so much,
Sandy & Bill

Sandy Hinton

March 24, 2010

Doris, Laura, Jake & Michael,

I know your heart must be breaking today, as is ours.

What a wonderful husband, father and grandfather you were privileged to have! And what a blessing he was to us for the over 40+ years we've known him. I remember meeting Erskine for the first time the night Doris also met him for the first time at a party in Richmond, VA. I believe he was smitten with Doris immediately and his love for her remained constant and faithful all these years.

What a wonderful friendship we forged over these many years and our love and admiration for Erskine grew every time we were with him. We always knew the Bradley B&B was available to us at a moment's notice. I remember many mornings sitting at your breakfast room table, reading the paper and sipping coffee. Bill and Erskine could sit in comfortable silence, flipping through the sports and news pages while Doris and I chattered away.

What a wonderful privilege it was to accompany you two to Alaska and what a fun time we had. I know Bill and Erskine were a bit insulted when the naturalist kept talking about bald eagles all the time! Erskine said "she's always bringing up the "B" word"!

You had a husband, father and grandfather of integrity. He was outspoken enough to stand up for his principles, but at the same time he was courteous enough to listen to those of others. A true Southern gentleman.

Jake and Michael, your granddad loved to brag about you and show pictures of you. He thought you were the smartest, cutest and most delightful kids in the world. And Laura, you were the apple of his eye. He would go to the mat for you at the drop of a hat and I know he would have gladly laid down his life for you all.

There is a hole in our hearts today. We are sad beyond words and there will never be anyone we meet who could possibly take Erskine's place. We will miss him passionately. He leaves a great legacy behind and I know a part of him will always be with you.

We love you so much,
Sandy & Bill

March 24, 2010

Doris,
Judy and I were shocked and saddened to learn of Erskine's untimely passing. He was a terific guy a great friend and Sigma Chi brother. I had the pleasure of knowing Erskine for over 48 years. His dry wit, sage advice and ever positive demeanor will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Sorrowfully,
Bill & Judy Booth
Orlando, FL

March 24, 2010

To say it simply - an honorable man who will be missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

MIKE HALEY

March 24, 2010

GREAT GUY AND FRIEND...WILL BE MISSE

Freddie & Tina Brown

March 24, 2010

Our prayers are with the whole family. Laura and Doris and the grandkids will be in our thoughts as all the Cooks and Bradleys always are...may the Lord's peace be with all through this time.

Donna and Mark McBee

March 24, 2010

To the family of Erskine Bradely. Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Erskine. Mark and I worked with him at MCSI/MCPC. We often talked with him and his co-workers about being cut from the same cloth as we were the only true Southerners in the company. He will be missed by so many. May God bless you and your family during this very difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Wanda Pearce

March 24, 2010

To the family of Erskine,
I'm deeply sadden to hear the news of your dear Erskine. I knew him through a business relationship at a law firm that I'm still presently employed. Erskine was always professional but there was always a special kindness you could feel when working with him. Reading about his life I can add without a doubt he was a devouted, sincere and honorable person that I believed him to be. Bless all your hearts during this difficut time and may the grace of God comfort you and that it will bring comfort and little smile to your heart that he left this world a better place.

Deepest sympathy,

Wanda Pearce

Linda Martin

March 24, 2010

Doris I am so sorry to get this news!He always treated me so well at Carolina Ribbon.Never took me for granted and made me feel like he really cared. I now live in SC So I won't get to see you or the family. But please know John and I really cared.

Kathy Bruggeman

March 24, 2010

Erskine was a true southern gentleman. I worked with him at MCSi and here at MCPC and it was a pleasure. My condolences.

March 24, 2010

Doris and family, Brian and I are so sad to hear of Erskine's passing, he is the reason I joined the Vestry and took on many other projects for St. Francis when he asked, I could never say no to him! Erskine was such a good man, his kind heart and funny personality will be missed! I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Kathy McCarthy

Linda Greenway

March 24, 2010

I worked with Erskine at Carolina Ribbon years ago. He was such a wonderful man, and always made me smile! He will truly be missed by so many. May God bless you all. You are in my thoughts & prayers at this difficult time.
Linda Greenway

Bob Emmaus

March 24, 2010

De colores, Erskine! The fields, the birds, the rainbow, the rooster, the hen, the chick: de colores! Make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Christ.
Bob Emmaus, NC Cursillo #27, St. Luke's Table

Robert Dalmas

March 24, 2010

Dear Doris and Fred, Marge and I want to express our sadness and shock over Erskine's sudden passing. You are in our thoughts at this time and will be in the future. Please extend our sympathy to all of your families. Love, Bob Dalmas

March 24, 2010

Doris, Laura, Jake and Michael - We are so saddened to learn of Erskine's passing. You all are in our prayers and on the prayer list at our church. Fred & Carol Fenn

Anne Mezgar

March 24, 2010

There are very few truly honorable, good people in this world. I can say I was lucky to have known one, Erskine.
We can only aspire to be more like him. I will miss him, as will so many others.

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