2/28/2016
Dr. Cecil Edger Bradley (retired), 93, an ordained Methodist minister, passed away in Tallahassee, FL on Sunday February 28, 2016. Dr. Bradley was born March 8, 1922, the son of George David Bradley and Julia Irene Burke Bradley in Sneads, Florida. He graduated from Chattahoochee High School where he was named an All-American tight end. Dr. Bradley was an avid Gator fan since his time in high school. In 1942, Dr. Bradley married Bernice Olive of Bascom. He earned a BA degree in English and History from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. He was called to the ministry and began a 46 year career in the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. During this period, he served churches in the Black and Pike Circuits, New Brockton, Chickasaw, First Methodist Church Defuniak Springs, First Methodist Andalusia, Richards Memorial in Pensacola, Demopolis, First Methodist Marianna, St. James in Montgomery, Shalimar, and Lafayette Street in Dothan. He then served as District Superintendent of the Andalusia District for six years. He retired in 1989 and moved to Tallahassee, Florida. Dr. Bradley then served the Woodville United Methodist Church in the Florida Conference for 7 years.
During his ministry, Dr. Bradley also made missionary trips to Cuba and several South American countries. He and his wife, Bernice, led groups to visit the Holy Land and the home of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, in England. Honorary Doctorate Degrees were bestowed on him by Athens College and Troy University. He served a term as the Chairman of the Alumni Association for Troy University. Dr. Bradley also served terms on the Board of Directors of the Methodist Publishing House as well as numerous boards of the Alabama West Florida Conference including the Board of Ministry.
Dr. Bradley was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Olive Bradley, his parents, 3 brothers and 3 sisters. He is survived by one son, Cecil Edger Bradley, Jr. (Elaine) of Green Cove Springs, Florida; one daughter, Bernice Cecilia Bradley, of Tallahassee, Florida; one grandson, Christopher Eric Bradley (Shannon) of New York, New York; and his nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be at the First United Methodist Church, 2901 Caledonia Street, Marianna, Florida, on Thursday, March 3, 2016. Visitation with the family will be from 12 noon until 1 p.m. CST. The Funeral Service will be at 1:00 p.m. CST with Dr. William Calhoun, Rev. Jon Couey and Rev. Bill Elwell officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery on Highway 90 east of Chattahoochee.