Mr. Alvin Bradley Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Obituary Alvin Coleman Bradley was born to Granville and Clara (Deskins) Bradley on April 12, 1929 in McComas, West Virginia. After a long and loving life, Alvin passed away on March 20, 2018. He graduated from West Virginia State College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1952 and received his Master of Arts Degree from Kent State University in the early 1970s. He is predeceased by his parents and by his elder brother, Granville Bradley, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Etta Bradley; his elder daughter, Dr. Linda Bradley, and her husband, Dr. Ronald Adams; his daughter, Jacqueline Bradley, and her husband, Clarence Otis; his grandchildren, Christopher Adams, Kathleen Adams, Calvin Otis, Randall Otis and Allison Otis; and a host of other loving family members. Alvin, often fondly referred to as Brad by both family and friends, tirelessly provided for his family. He retired from the United States Postal Service and The Cleveland Public Schools after 30 years of service to each organization. At the Cleveland Public Schools, Brad served as a basketball coach, teacher and principal. In addition to his work with the Postal Service and School District, to further support his family and their aspirations, he served periodically as both a bartender and a server for private events in the Cleveland area. Not surprisingly, Brad had little tolerance for those unwilling to work hard. He believed that if you love what you are doing, then no task is arduous. Brad’s commitment to family is embodied in the notion that: "A family should be a circle of love and strength, Founded on faith, joined in love, Kept by God forever together." His certainly was. In addition to his commitment to his family and his work, Alvin Coleman Bradley had many, many other passions. One great passion was gardening, and he took great pride in having a home with a well-manicured yard and the most colorful and interesting flowers on the block. Planning his garden was a personal joy; he reveled in ordering seeds and plants months in advance to insure he had the best available on the market. Among other things, Brad’s gardening prowess landed him on the cover of a prominent Cleveland magazine. Another great passion was traveling, particularly trips with his daughters and wife. After a tour of duty in Asia as a member of the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, he spent a lifetime exploring the United States and Europe. His very last trip was a week in New York City, where he attended a hip-hop festival produced by his granddaughter, Kathleen Adams, saw a Broadway musical, caught jazz performances at both the Jazz Standard and Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, and saw his grandson, Randall Otis, perform stand-up comedy at a renown local club. Key to Brad’s DNA was what he emphatically described as “Taking Care of Business” (TCB). There was a laser focus on successfully completing the task at hand. This included but was not limited to chairing the scholarship committee of Holy Trinity Baptist Church, because he was so committed to helping students at all the schools where he served in a leadership capacity realize their dreams. Character emanates mostly from actions taken when no one else is looking. That’s what Alvin Bradley had – great character. Without any expectation of recognition, he sent checks to his grandchildren, bought groceries for those in need and visited the sick and shut in. Whenever someone asked, “how much it cost to do or give” something, he would invariably respond, “just a dollar.” Brad ordered his steps as commanded by God – putting God first, then wife, children, friends, neighbors and the rest of God’s children. He was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Baptist Church, and especially enjoyed his Monday Bible Study classes. As his knowledge of God’s word deepened, he truly elevated his service and witness for Christ. Brad is remembered as a quiet, inquisitive servant leader, always available to make someone else’s load lighter. Don’t grieve for me, for I am free, I am following the path that God laid for me I could not stay another day To laugh, to love or pray. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss Ah, these things too, I will miss My life’s been full, I savored much Good friends, good times, a love one touched Perhaps anytime all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief Lift up your heart and share with me that God wanted me now and set me free James Joyce

Mr. Alvin Bradley

April 12, 1929 - March 20, 2018