Raymond Arthur Bradbury

1928 - 2025

Raymond Arthur Bradbury

June 19, 1928 - April 5, 2025

Matthews, North Carolina - Raymond A. Bradbury, 96, of Matthews, NC, passed away April 5, 2025. He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Claranelle Blackburn Bradbury.

Born June 19, 1928, in Stoke-on-Trent, England, he was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as an officer and aerial navigator in the Korean War, flying 55 combat missions. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

Mr. Bradbury graduated from West Virginia University and enjoyed a 42-year career in the coal industry, including 23 years as President of Martin County Coal Corporation in Kentucky. Known for innovation and mine safety, he pioneered the use of diesel equipment in underground mines. He served on the board of the Kentucky Coal Association for 20 years and was an active member of the American Institute of Mining Engineers.

A committed community leader, he was involved with Rotary, Kiwanis, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Boy Scouts. He served on several boards, including First Commonwealth Bank, Pikeville College and Berea College. He was appointed to the Board of Governors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland's Cincinnati Branch. He was a member of St. Stephen United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC.

An avid traveler, Mr. Bradbury visited every U.S. state and Canadian province, as well as more than 40 countries. He was a loyal fan of the Cincinnati Reds, UK basketball and the Charlotte Hornets.

He is survived by his children Philip (Carol) Bradbury and Barbara Bradbury, his grandchildren Rebecca (Matt) Haller, Ryan (Jenna) Heslin and Jessica (Scott) Esmond, along with five great grandchildren.

A service will be held in his honor at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home (Harrodsburg Rd.) in Lexington, KY, on May 2, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. Visitation begins at 10:30 a.m. and burial will follow at Blue Grass Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VFW.