"Sgt. Maj. Bradley was my drill instructor at Parris Island in July 1962. I tried to find his address several times without success to thank him for teaching me to be the Marine and man that I am now. I retired a Gunnery Seargent in 1992. I first saw his name when I visited the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico Va. Sgt. Maj, Bradley was the narrator of the film in the theater at the museum. Thank you Sgt Maj. for your guidance and I know that the pearly gates of heaven will be well represented . Semper Fi."
In loving memory of
Sgt. Maj. Lee Manuel Bradley, Sr.
February 2, 1939 - August 29, 2023
Lee Manuel Bradley, Sr. was the sixth child born on February 2, 1939, to the union of the late Reverend Isaac Frank Bradley Sr. and the late Mrs. Geneva Porter Bradley in Sawdust, Florida.
Lee, as he was affectionately called, attended the public schools of Leon County in Tallahassee, Florida. He graduated from Old Lincoln High School in 1957 where he played football and was elected Senior Class President. Lee enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June of 1957. During Lee's illustrious 30 year career, he in rose to the rank of Sergeant Major in 1973. He was a Drill Instructor at Parris Island, South Carolina, a Training Officer for Officers Candidate School and a Platoon Sergeant for the Silent Drill Team at Marine Barracks 8th and I in Washington D.C. He served as Guard Chief in Hawaii and served two Vietnam tours. He also served in Okinawa, Japan, MCRD in San Diego and Camp Smith in Hawaii. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 2 stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, the Combat Action Ribbon and 11 Good Conduct Awards. Lee was honorably discharged in July of 1987 at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA.
After retiring from the USMC, Lee put his recollective childhood cobbler skills to use and opened and operated two successful shoe repair businesses in San Diego. He retired as the owner of Lee's Shoe and Boot repair in June of 2018.
Lee was joined in holy matrimony to Emma Jane Rush on March 7, 1960, and to this union, seven children were born. Lee and Emma enjoyed sixty-three years of marital bliss.
FAITH
Lee was a faithful and lifelong member of his home based church, Flipper Chapel AME in Tallahassee, Florida. Once he established roots in San Diego in the 1980's, he joined Bethel AME Church in San Diego. He was one of the recipients of the "Men of Bethel Award" in 2017.
FAMILY
Lee was a kind and humble man who loved his family and was always willing to help others in their time of need. He was the true definition of a man, a provider and protector of his loved ones. Lee set high standards not only for his family, but for those he had the opportunity to meet. He embraced every family member and emphasized the importance of education, strong work ethic, respectfulness and spiritually.
FOOD
Lee loved barbecues and family dinners. He was a master griller and even made his own ice cream. His favorite holiday was Thanksgiving as it encompassed food, family, friends and football.
FRIENDS
If you met Lee, he was a friend for life. He always greeted you with a contagious smile, a big bear hug, a firm handshake and good intense conversation. One friend, upon learning of Lee's passing, said that Lee was one of the most gracious person they had ever met.
FAREWELL
On Monday morning, August 29, 2023, God showed his undying love by sending his Angels to receive Lee into his eternal home. Lee has left a great legacy for his family and others to preserve. He used to always say "When they throw dirt in my face, I will have no regrets as I have lived a blessed, long and wonderful life. Shed tears for a minute, if you must, but rejoice my life and charge on."
As we celebrate his home going, not only today, but for the rest of our lives, we say Thank you Lee, loving husband, father, grandpa, great grand daddy, great-great-grandfather, brother, uncle, Mr. Bradley and friend for guiding us through the many obstacles of this world and for teaching us how to pray for continuing strength and endurance to successfully face the many challenges that life has to offer. God bless you. We love you. Semper Fi and may you rest in eternal peace.
THE LEGACY OF MEMORIES
Cherishing his memories are: his wife of 63 years, Emma R. Bradley; three sons: Timothy Bradley of Jacksonville, NC, Lee M. Bradley Jr. (Deborah) of Spring Valley, CA, Len M. Bradley (LaJuana) of Chula Vista, CA; four daughters: Geneva Bradley-Palmore (Michael) of San Marcos, CA, Karen Bradley of San Diego, Tracie Bradley of Spring Valley, CA and his very special child Monique Bradley of San Diego; one brother: Nathaniel Bradley, Sr. (Constance) of Aurora, CO, one sister: Ruth B. Armstrong of Tallahassee, FL: four sisters-in-law: Coreen B. Johnson and Bernice Harris of Tallahassee, FL, Jestine Bradley of Jacksonville, FL and Veronica Bradley of St. Petersburg, FL ; two daughers-in-law: Brenda Moore and Tarra Bradley; ten grand children: Tamaria Sterling, David (Jannice) Bradley; Tanya (Brian) Scott, Jonathan (Lauren) Bradley, Brittany Palmore, Kelvin Bradley Jr., Symeria Thomas, Keeana Thomas, Zacaree Thomas and Iyana Bradley; ten great-grand-children Briana Scott, Micayla Scott, Talia Scott, Autumn Bradley, David Bradley, Jr., Christopher Roberts, Jonathan Timothy(JT) Bradley, Brenda Bradley, Tyree Humphrey and Desirae Kinler; four great-great-grandchildren Jayce Delgado, Bryson Humphrey, Adalynn Humprey, and Aliyah Cotton along with many loving and special nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, the USMC brotherhood and friends.
Lee was preceded in death by his son Kelvin Bradley Sr and his grandson Timothy Bradley, Jr.
Tributes
"I had the honor of serving with Sgt. Maj. Lee Bradley on two occasions. The first when I was the Platoon Commander of the Marine Corps Special Ceremonial Platoon, which consisted of the Silent Drill Platoon, The Color Guard, and the Body Bearers at Marine Barracks, Washington, DC, and Lee was the Platoon Sergeant. The second was when I was the Operations Officer of the First Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment on Okinawa, and Lee was the Battalion Sergeant Major. He was a role model for us all. Well done, Marine and family man! Rest in Peace. And Peace be with Emma and Family. Mike McGowan, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired)"
"May God Bless the family. Rest In Peace you will be missed. Mr. Tommie Johnson Jr and Janis."
"A strong Leader, wonderful Brother, loving Husband ;a Great Father,Grand Father and Great Grand Father. Rest well. Yes we love you but God loves you best. Your Sister Ruth!!"