Leonard Whitlow Bradley, Sr., 91, of Morganton, NC, passed way Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
He was born in Wise County, VA on June 23, 1934. He was the son of the late Samuel Robert Bradley and Etter Rose Triplett Bradley.
Leonard served his Lord and Savior, dedicating is life as a servant within his church, Praise Assembly of God and the former Church of God on Hwy 181 N. He was Sunday school director at the Church of God for many years.
Leonard was instrumental in developing the Brentwood Water Corporation and served as president for over 40 year years. He was a founding member of the Carbon City Volunteer Fire Department and was a former member of the Morganton Optimist Club. Mr. Bradley owned and operated Carbon City Trade Center and Leonard’s Trade Center for 61 years. His family was his greatest treasure, and he proudly displayed their pictures above the door for all to see at the Carbon City Trade Center.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Ben Bradley (Margaret), Kathy Clark (Audey), Cynthia Hart (David), Diana Queen (Michael), Tina Still (Bob), John Bradley, Robbie Dean Bradley (Brenda), Lisa Cox (Rodney), and Sara Sisk (Rodney); grandchildren, Brandy Martino (Mark), Brad Bradley, Melissa Corpening (Jeff), Heather Bolick (Jase), Amanda Millian (Bradd), Jason Feimster, Joshua Feimster, Bethany Van Pelt (Byron), Misty Gainey (Brandon), Tyler Jones (Amy), Elijah Jones, Kriston Clifton (Will), Emily Bradley, Kevin Cox (Shelby Longgrear), Ashleigh Cox (Josh Ingle), Autumn Mize (Robert), Taylor Barajas (Nathan), and Branson Sisk; great-grandchildren, Adam Martino, Alexandria Martino, Jaxon Martino, and Sydnee Martino, Airionna Bradley, Dakota Bradley, Charlotte Van Pelt, Henry Van Pelt, Stella Jones Kate, Drexel Jones, Kinsley Reeves, Blakely Reeves, Carson Perry, Ky Dillingham, Ansleigh Mize, Owen Mize, Anna Gainey, Jack Gainey,; great-great-grandchildren, Asher Martino and Kora Martino; sister, Doris Bradley Bird; special niece, Becky Worley; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In addition to his parents, Leonard was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Lula Kirby Bradley; grandson, Matthew Bradley; granddaughter, Amber Queen; five brothers; and five sisters.
The family will receive friends from 9 to 10 a.m., Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Praise Assembly of God. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. in the church with Revs. Kevin Crawford and Boyd Biggerstaff officiating. Burial will follow at Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Praise Assembly of God, PO Box 897, Glen Alpine, NC 28628.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Leonard Whitlow Bradley, Sr..
Oh, I am so sorry to hear of Leonard's passing. He was just so much fun to be around. Jack and I enjoyed our time with him in Dallas Texas at the meeting of the National Rural Water Association. I showed Jack and Leonard the doll I had bought at the shop down the street. Leonard wanted one for his wife, so off we went back to the shop! He made our trip unforgettable in so many ways. I wish I had known in time for the funeral. Jack always counted Leonard a special friend in the 'water business'. Brentwood and Triple Community Water lost two 'sweeties'! Love and sympathy to all the family, Guinn Huffman
Leonard and Mrs. Bradley were our neighbors for many years my husband David and I and our family thought the world of both of them, they were both two of the most wonderful people you could ever meet. They were the best neighbors we could’ve ever ask for, the both of them will be greatly missed.
Leanord was a great man! Glad I got to know him.
My sincere condolences to the family. May the Lord give you peace and comfort in your time of loss. I remember going to Leonards house with my aunt Beulah Chester (his Mom's sister) when I was younger. We also stopped by the store some. My thoughts and prayers are with y'all as you navigate this difficult journey of loss.
To the family - all the family were special to us my hubby Bob Riddle and Leonard were friends for many yrs .. his uncle and aunt James and Stella were some of best friends Leonard will sure be missed but he lived a blessed life showing his Christian love .,RIP now the life with Christ is the best .. my deepest condolences to All the family ….The Robert Riddle family .
Charlie Hardin my dad enjoyed Leonard’s friendship so very much! Would stop weekly or more to purchase something. Between them probably knew everyone in CALVIN (Carbon City)—-either could have run for public office and won by a landslide both looked for the positivity in others. Together once again!!
Bradley family, I still remember hanging out at store on carbon city road when Leonard had it. Was always something crazy going on. Such a cool guy. Prayers for all
Have known Leonard and his wonderful family for many (60 years) and he was such as sweet man to me and my family. Loved visiting his store on Carbon City Road when I was little. He always had a smile and a hug for me whenever we saw each other. He will be missed.
To the Family Im so sorry for your loss I Pray the Good Lord wrap his loving arms around you all and comfort you now and for the days to come