Jerry Bradbury

Jerry Clarke Bradbury was born to George L. and Lillian Clarke Bradbury on July 27, 1926 at 431 West Wardville, Cleburne, Texas. He graduated from Cleburne High School in 1944 and joined the Maritime Service and was sent to Florida to train for the Merchant Marines. One day he was taught how to deliver a baby, a lesson that would come in handy when his ship, the SS Puente Hills, a T3-SE-A1 tanker in the Pacific got a distress call from a Russian ship near the Aleutian Islands, broken in two from a monster storm. They were able to rescue 27 people, including one pregnant woman. After five days on board, Jerry delivered the baby girl, named Titiania, which means goddess of the sea. He was 19 years old and served two more years. After a short stint at Arlington State College and working at Bradbury's Men's Clothing, he was called to serve during the Korean conflict as an Army medic. In 1952 Jerry was discharged and went to work for Swank Jewelry as a salesman. In 1952 he married Dollie Sue Clary and they moved to Lubbock. In 1965, after living in Golden, Colorado for two years and much traveling for his job, Jerry moved his family back to Cleburne, Texas where he worked for Sue's father, Marvin B. Clary, in the insurance and real estate business. He eventually bought out Mr. Clary and retired after 40 years, selling the agency.
Jerry was a member of First Baptist Church in Cleburne. He enjoyed working in his yard and garden, spending countless hours in his greenhouse. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, cooking and playing cards. He was known for his delicious dishes such as pear preserves, pickles, gumbo, fried fish, and many sourdough dishes, especially pancakes. Jerry was also involved with Camp Fire Girls and Boys of America for many years.
Jerry Clarke Bradbury is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sue Bradbury; daughter, Melissa Bennett and husband Gary; daughter, Suzanne Bruce and husband Steve; son, Steven Bradbury and wife Cathy; daughter, Sara Bradbury Dodd; grandchildren, Bradley Bennett, Scott Bennett, Gabrielle Bruce, Hogan Bruce and Billy Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Adele and Mary Helen; brothers, Will T. and George (Buster); nephew, Horace, who was adopted by George and Lillian Bradbury upon the death of Horace's mother.
The Bradbury family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Huguley Hospital and LifeCare Hospital for many weeks of quality care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Tesuya Camp Fire Council, 815 N. Main, Cleburne, Texas or First Baptist Church, 105 E. Willingham, Cleburne, Texas.

Visitation

Saturday
Immediately following service

Service

First Baptist Church
101 E. Allen
Godley, TX 76044
Saturday, September 17, 2005
11:00 a.m.
Map to Service Location