Herbert Leon Bradley
September 22, 1942 - June 9, 2023
Herbert Leon Bradley was born to Mabel Bradley Johns on September 22, 1942, in Drew County, Arkansas. He entered the world with an energy for life that served him well for over eighty years. He departed this life on Friday, June 9, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.
Herbert was an avid sportsman who spent decades honing his craft in the deer stand, and on the water amassing an archive of experience and knowledge of the bottom land he loved and hunted. He was the one to call you if you had any questions about any number of subjects, and someone to have on your side if you ever found yourself in a squirrely predicament. Never running from the sight of hard work, Herbert was an employee of the Monticello School District in Monticello, Arkansas for 32 years. In addition to this dedicated service, he bailed more hay than he could ever tally, managed the family farm, livestock, and made many diy projects shine. There wasn't anything he couldn't repair or replace.
Herbert was the type of friend to cheer you on when you succeeded, and thoughtfully encourage you through a rough patch. Incredibly generous with his time and possessions, he would go out of his way to help friend or foe. He found humor everywhere, and it bubbled out of him onto anyone around him. His chuckles would turn into loud, hee-hawing, knee-slapping laughter. He would often encourage his grandchildren when they complained about life by saying, ''any day above ground is a good day,'' and his exuberant life was a testament to that motto. With a grateful heart, he never shied away from leading his family in prayer; and he could be found many Sunday mornings on his sun porch reading through the Sunday School lesson. It was obvious that Herbert's joy and outlook on life came from his faith in God. He was a longtime dedicated member of Rose Hill Free Will Baptist Church.
The phrase, ''they don't make 'em like that anymore,'' was surely meant for Herbert Bradley. The love and warmth he freely shared with his family and friends has forever left its mark, and we are all better for having had him in our lives.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mabel Bradley Johns; father, Bruce Bostian; stepfather, Troy Johns; and siblings, Sidney Bostian, Ricky Bostian, Gary Bostian, Richard Bostian, Raymond Bostian and Shirley Cater.
Herbert is survived by his wife of 42 years, Donna Forrest Bradley of Monticello; daughters, Kim Bradley Caldwell (Billy Hardison) of Jackson, LA and Ashley Fenton of Monticello; siblings, J.B. Bostian of Pansy, Bobby Bostian of Green Hill, Virginia Daughtery of Rye, Lindy Lyles of Ruston, LA, Mark Bostian of Pompono Beach, FL, Mildred Hilton of Arcadia, FL, Loretta Manson and Kay Carter both of Austin, Arkansas; grandchildren, Lauren Crutchfield (Eric Wright) of Monticello, Kati Beth Wood (Michael) of Grovetown, GA, his namesake Bradley Caldwell, (Kylee) Austin Fenton and Savannah Fenton (Garrett Newton) all of Monticello; great grandchildren, Will and Harper Crutchfield, Isaac, Jonah, Hannah, Norah and Lucas Wood, Lennon Caldwell and River Newton (due on his birthday); honorary grandchild, Sam Linely; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles who loved him dearly.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 12, 2023, at Rose Hill Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Dwayne Roper and Rev. Dane Hall officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Monticello. There will be a visitation Sunday evening from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. You can sign Herbert's guestbook page at www.stephensondearman.com
Obituary Provided By:
943 Highway 425 North
Monticello, AR 71655
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