William Eric Bradley

William Eric Bradley, age 53, of Chelsea, Alabama, beloved father, son, brother, and friend, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, reconciled and free. A visitation will be held at Chelsea Church of God, 2020 County Road 39, Chelsea, Alabama, 35043, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM. A celebration of life and funeral service honoring the memory of Eric will follow at 11:00 AM. He will then be laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Chelsea, Alabama. Pastor Mike Kiker is officiating along with Rev. Aaron Knight. Eric is preceded in death by his grandparents, Willie and Dorothy “Mama Dot” Bradley, and L.P. and Frankie Bradberry; his aunt Denise “Nisa” Bradley Wallace; and uncles, Steven Wallace, Bill “Bush” Brasher, and Gene Bright. Eric is survived by his daughters, Kailyn Hill and Elizabeth Bradley, his father and mother, William Jerry and Glenda Bradberry Bradley; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Michelle Landrum (Steve) and Kim Alston (Bob); his former wife, Christy Thrasher Bradley, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins representing the Bradley and Bradberry families. Eric was known to many for his extraordinary skills as an arborist and for his dry wit and mischievous grin. He could conquer any tree with a rope, a chainsaw, and a few quick swipes of the saw, just as he could capture the attention of a room with an impromptu story or joke followed by his own boisterous laughter. That wit was a gift from birth, and family can no-doubt hold onto fond memories of “Pea-Tart,” (his PawPaw Bradberry’s favorite nickname for him) as a child. As a teenager, Eric often went boating and fishing with his dad and uncles at Wind Creek State Park and a host of other waterways. Fishing at Linda Gail’s pond didn’t always go so well, though, since Eric tended to catch cats and leaves with his lures instead of actual fish. He enjoyed playing football with siblings and cousins on Memaw’s front lawn and working in the garden with Dangraddy Willie. He dug potatoes like a pro with Pa and Mama Bradley, and he knew every inch of their fields and the family home place by heart. In his testimony to his mother and other family members as he spoke with them the day before his passing, Eric said that he had decided, “Thus Far,” were the words that reflected his sentiments best. He was excited for new beginnings and hopeful in a way that shone from his clear, thoughtful gaze. Speaking of past regrets, shames, and struggles, he was thankful for the promises of freedom and reconciliation through the blood of the Lamb. He had recently connected with many family and friends, in subtle yet deliberate encounters. Working on fences and farm stalls with family members, delivering an unexpected meal to the office for his mother and sister, and expressing his love for cousins and friends during chance run-ins as he went about his day, Eric was quietly caring for those around him in deeply important ways for them and to him. Eric loved deeply. For his daughters, Kailyn and Elizabeth, he held the fiercest pride and adoration. He loved sharing their accomplishments and telling stories about the time he spent with them. He was excited about the future for them both and could not wait to see what life held for the two of them. He cherished the connection he had with his mother. He loved her and knew that he was loved. His former wife, Christy Thrasher Bradley, and Leigh Hill (Kailyn’s mom) were integral parts of his daily life and the lives of the rest of his family. In service as pallbearers will be: Mr. Bob Alston; Mr. Darren Bright; Mr. Todd Brasher; Mr. Kendrick Wallace; Mr. Randy Jordan; Mr. Dustin Erwin; Mr. Shannon Brasher; and honorary pallbearers will be: Mr. Steve Landrum, Mr. Nathan Kelly, and Mr. Randall Kennedy. Final disposition will be burial at Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Chelsea, Alabama, with the family immediately after the funeral service.

William Eric Bradley

January 13, 1972 - February 27, 2025