William Bradley, Jr.

William Bradley Jr. (Brad), was born on November 29, 1932 to his parents, Mary Mack and William Bradley, Sr. in Millett, South Carolina. He was raised on a farm with his brothers, Robert and James Bradley.

Brad was educated in the public school system in South Carolina. He attended Rosenwald School which was one of several thousands of schools built for educating African Americans in the south during segregation.

Following high school, William enlisted in the United States Army where was stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado. He served proudly from 1953-1955. During this time, he earned a National Defense Service Medal.

Following his time in the military, he decided to settle in Colorado where he met a young lady named Essie James; they were married in March of 1959. From this union, Roosevelt, Stanley, and Sylvia were born, with Beatrice and Linda being his bonus daughters. This marriage ended. He later met a woman by the name of Syrena Brown and her three children, Derris, Courtney, and Naarah. They met on one of his bus driving routes, and the couple were soon joined in holy matrimony on November 29, 1986 in Denver, Colorado. Brad and Syrena were married for over 17 years. Syrena passed away in 2022.

Brad worked several jobs throughout his lifetime including, Continental Trailway, Yellow Cab, and Burns Security. However, he spent the longevity of his career as a Bus Operator beginning in 1975. After many years of dedication and hard work, he retired in 1999.

Brad was a man of faith, who knew that his help came from the Lord. He was an extremely dedicated worker and an avid provider for his family. He also consistently devoted himself to the ministry. He spent years serving as a deacon and trustee at Refuge Temple of Light and was later a faithful attendee of Colorado Christian Fellowship.

Brad was grandpa and papa to many grandchildren: Nicole, Reginald, Yolanda, Melvina, Gerald, Angela, Ramon, Andrew, Kiara, Quamia, Jasmine, Derris Jr., Lamar, Gerald Jr., Nyrah, Uriah, Obadiah, Dora and Jaxson.

Some favorite pastimes during several periods of his life include fishing, sewing(he was an excellent tailor and sewer), going on long drives and traveling, watching sports (The Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies were among his favorites)and eating candy. To know Brad was to know that he was very private, quiet, and reserved and as many would like to say “country”.

Brad was also involved in several cabinets of the Masons. This includes, the United Supreme Council of the Accepted Scottish Rite for the 33 and Vast Degree of Free Masonry (Southern and Western jurisdiction), Supreme Council of the Sons of Haiti and St. James Lodge No. 9 of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He served in many roles in these cabinets.

Some may have not known, but he was also a member of a Denver gospel group, “Just Us” who sang at various events and traveled around the Denver Metro Area.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and William Bradley, Sr., his loving wife, Syrena Brown; and his children, Stanley and Linda.

Brad is survived by his wife,2 brothers, his children, stepchildren, many grandchildren, great grandchildren; cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

His life and legacy will continue to live on through those who knew him.