Committal
Keith Elbert Bradshaw, 68, of Hickory, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 2, 1956. Keith was the son of the late Clarence Bradshaw and Dolly Bradshaw. He grew up in Morganton, NC and was a 1975 graduate of Freedom High School. Keith went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Army from 1981 to 1989.
Keith had a passion for helping others, which led him into the field of nursing. He earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Western Piedmont Community College and later achieved a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2020. Keith was a Registered Nurse and a Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse, dedicating more than 30 years of his career to the Emergency Department at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Known for his skill, compassion, and calm presence in times of crisis, Keith touched countless lives during his decades of service. He was awarded CARE Employee of the Year in 2013, a recognition of the excellence and heart he brought to his work.
Beyond his professional life, Keith was a man who lived fully and joyfully. He was known for his bright smile, quick wit, and the way he could tell a joke that left everyone laughing. He was a gentle soul with a generous spirit, someone who made others feel valued and loved. Keith had a remarkable gift for making everybody feel like “somebody,” a quality that endeared him to all who knew him.
Keith was devoted to his family, who were the heart of his world. He shared 28 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Jessica Bradshaw. Keith also leaves behind his son, Dawson Bradshaw, his daughter, Ashlee Bullard, his granddaughter, Annabelle Bullard, his sister, Karen Bryant, her husband, Andy, and his niece, Amanda Welty.
Keith found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved volunteering with the Walkin’ Roll league, hiking, jogging, spending time outdoors, and attending concerts and car races.
Though Keith will be deeply missed, his legacy of kindness, service, and love will continue to live on in the lives he touched.
The family will receive friends from 12pm to 1pm Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The memorial service will begin at 1pm in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Shawn Milburn officiating.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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I worked with Keith at WCC for several years.He was a good friend and worked well with the residents he had charge of. He left and went to nursing school. I'm sure he.made a great nurse.
Sweet Jessica. We are so sorry .i know you have lost part of your heart.. may Gods Loving arms wrap you in comfort in the long days ahead We are praying for you and your family. Love and big hugs ! Your friends at Pleasant Ridge send all there prayers .. you now have a Special Angel watching over you love you Diane Steve Rhodes
You will be greatly missed Friend. Will miss going to the car races with you Buddy! Prayers 🙏 sent for all of his Family and Friends.Rest peacefully sweet Friend!
He was a great friend, coworker . He always had a smile on his face and joy for helping others. He made a big impact on my life and he will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to Jessica and Dawson. May God bring you peace in knowing he is with you in this trying time.
I worked with Keith at Catawba in the ER. I started out there as a new "baby" nurse and Keith was always such a mentor. I knew starting out who I could go to for advice and knowledge and who wouldn't steer me wrong. The thing I remember most though was his kind demeanor. He was always smiling and the sweetest person. Sending prayers of strength and healing to his family.
Kindest person on earth. A calming presence to patients and fellow staff in the psychiatric section of the ED. He cared, and it showed. A rock. AND such a music lover. I was so lucky to get to ride with him to see bands I wouldn’t have seen, or appreciated, otherwise. And he wouldn’t let me pay him back for my ticket! Just a real gentleman.
Hello Jessica! I am so sorry for your loss. I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and praying for you. I miss you and , again, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear husband, Keith. I love you!!
My condolences to the family. We lost a good man! A Father, Husband and a friend that always was there to hand you a hand to help you in any way he could. I knew Keith from the start of my career at CVMC and from the beginning I knew he was a truly sincere friend and was loved by all the coworkers. I will miss him to go to the car racings and my concerts pal especially the numerous Zoso concerts we went to. And just to be talking about anything !! God bless!! And we will see you again in the near future. Amen !