Buddy Ray Bradley's Obituary
Buddy Ray Bradley age 89, passed away on 04/03/2023 at Mercy Medical center in Centerville, Iowa from complications of diabetes and Parkinson's.
He was born on December 16, 1933 in Centerville and was a lifelong resident, graduating from CHS with the Class of 1953.
Buddy served 2 years in the Army National Guard, joining the Army in 1956-1958 serving in Stuttgart and Göppingen, Germany with the 8th Infantry Division Band. Buddy toured Europe as a member of the band, entertaining the local citizens and dignitaries with "Oompah" music. Buddy spent an additional 2 years in the Army Reserves after he returned from Germany.
During his working years, he was employed at Oehler Brothers, Levine, the Iowegian, Schultz Burch- Flavorkist, eventually retiring from Hy-Vee after 30 years as a produce and liquor manager.
Buddy was both a member and an officer of the Elks, Eagles and the Appanoose County Country Club in Centerville.
Buddy married Marianne Scott on March 3rd, 1956 and recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.
Buddy and Marianne spent 8 winters in Mesa, Az enjoying the warm weather, playing many rounds of golf and playing pool as a member of a traveling pool league.
Buddy enjoyed camping with family and friends at Lake Rathbun since before its' dedication in 1971. Buddy and his camping group began camping in all areas of the lake before they later became Island View, Prairie Ridge and South Fork camp grounds.
Buddy is survived by his wife, Marianne Bradley of Centerville; three children, Mike Bradley of Centerville, Suzy Bradley Ishmael of Story city, Iowa and Shelley Bradley Frasher (David) of Centerville; five grandchildren, Joanna (Josh) Findley of Adel, Danielle (Luke) Whitacre of Bloomfield, Kyle (Ashley) Ishmael of Cambridge, Staff Sergeant Justin (Emily) Dommer of Camp Pendleton San Diego, California, Sydney Dommer (fiancé Dylan Sloan) of Grimes, Iowa and Bradley Frasher of Centerville; four great-grandchildren, KC Whitacre, Cody Whitacre, Hayden Ishmael and Callan Ishmael; and special neighbors, Betty and Dick King.
Buddy was preceded in death by his parents A.F. "Tolly" and Helen Ashby Bradley.
Per his request, cremation has been accorded with a family inurnment at a later date at Oakland Cemetery in Centerville. Memorials in honor of Buddy may be written to Furever Friends Rescue of Appanoose Inc., and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Bradley family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or on our funeral home Facebook page.
What’s your fondest memory of Buddy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Buddy?
Share a story where Buddy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Buddy you’ll never forget.
How did Buddy make you smile?