Charles Robert Bradley Jr.

Life Reflections On June 25, 1953, the Lord blessed the union of Pearl Estelle (Courtney)
Bradley and Charles Robert Bradley, Sr., with a handsome son, Charles
Robert Bradley, Jr. He was the second of eight children born to this union and
was affectionately called “Lil Charlie.” His father, Charles, his mother, Pearl,
his sister, Deborah, and his brother, Ruben Sr., all preceded him in death.
He was educated at St. Bridget Catholic School and Providence Boys Junior
High School for elementary school and graduated high school from Central
High School.
Charles was a native of the Pruitt-Igoe housing projects. It was here that
Charles met Janet Underwood at the tender age of four years old. In 1971, they welcomed Charles
Robert Bradley III to the world. Charles enlisted into the United States Army later that year and was
stationed in Germany. That same year he asked Janet to be his wife. Upon his return from Germany,
they joined in holy matrimony on May 27, 1972. Charles was honorably discharged from the military
in 1974.
To their union, they added twin boys, James and Jay, followed by Christopher, and then Tiffany.
Charles was a dedicated and proud father and an excellent athlete. His hobbies included basketball,
playing cards, bowling, playing softball, and coaching baseball. He spent much time with his children
and made sure to never miss an event. His children also accompanied him at all his sporting events.
After Charles’ service to our country, he had a long career, including working at Carter Carburetor
and cable companies. He found his niche in the school bus transportation field, working his way from
driver to dispatcher to manager. He was described as a stern, but fair boss. He eventually retired from
this role. His active lifestyle and love for people didn’t allow for him to sit still for long. He took work
at a warehouse and then as a driver for an establishment for people with disabilities. Charles grew
fond of the participants of the facility and went back to work fulltime until he retired in 2016.
During retirement Charles spent his time involved in the Men’s Club at St.’s Teresa and Bridget Catholic
Church. Nothing brought him more joy and pleasure than being a husband, father, grandfather, and
great-grandfather. He was quick to reminisce and create new memories with his family and friends.
His favorite occasion was any family gathering. He went out of his way to make sure everyone was
comfortable and enjoying themselves. Charlie’s presence will be missed, and his legacy will live on
through his children and grandchildren.
After his long battle with health issues, he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and
friends on Saturday, June 18, 2022.
Charles leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife of fifty years, Janet; his sons, Charles (Zenora),
James (Stacey), Jay (Bridgett), Christopher (Tamirra), and Tiffany (Todd) Lumpkins; thirteen

grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four sisters; one brother; two sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-
law; and a host of family and friends. Charles also often spoke about his village, the Elston, Phillips,

Deanes/Hawkins, Carson, Morton, and Jones families. His village will cherish his memory.

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