William G. Bradley, 69, Indianapolis, IN, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 19, 2020 after a short, unexpected illness, unrelated to CoViD19.
Born July 23, 1950, he was the youngest son born to William Earl and Dorothy Connese (Hunter) Bradley, both of whom predecease him. Also preceding him in death were his brothers, Michael Earl Bradley and Edward Anthony Bradley. He is survived by one nephew, several nieces, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Affectionately known by the initials UB (for Uncle Bill), he lived his entire life in Indianapolis, most of them in his current Irvington home. UB was born at Methodist Hospital, baptized at St. Francis de Sales, attended St. Lawrence elementary school and graduated from Scecina Memorial High School in 1968.
After graduating from high school, UB voluntarily enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. A proud Marine, he served his country in Vietnam in the 1st Marine Division and later the 3rd Marine Division. During his enlistment, he achieved the ranks of Lance Corporal and Corporal. He was presented the Navy Commendation Medal “for meritorious service while serving with Battery M, Fourth Battalion, Eleventh Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 19 July 1969 to 1 April 1970.”
Following his service in the Marines, he held long term positions with Indianapolis area companies including Davis Wholesale, Lowe’s, Woodfinco, and Westfield Door & Frame, from which he retired in 2008, and was well known for his quality work.
An avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching Chicago Bears football and Nascar racing. In February 2007, he groused mercilessly over the Colts defeating his beloved Bears in Super Bowl XLI. He also enjoyed playing poker, watching old TV westerns, and reading mysteries. He loved dogs, especially his beloved Boxers, Sadie and Alexis. He enjoyed homecooked meals and Jockamo’s Pizza. He was an avid collector of stamps, coins, model cars, trains and antiques.
UB was a hardworking, humble, generous man who donated routinely to a host of worthy organizations such as the Salvation Army, the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, Wheeler Mission, Red Cross, March of Dimes, and many others. He was a man of few words who had a big heart.
UB never cared for school and claimed he was not a very good student, preferring instead to work with his hands, creating beautiful works from wood. He spent his life pursuing positions where he could work with and create items from wood, which he loved doing, and his retirement dream was to purchase property in Brown County where he could build himself a little cabin and workshop, and spend his later years tinkering away at his hobby of woodworking.
While he had no children, he will remain in the hearts of his nieces and nephew and their families. We will miss his grin, his hearty laugh, and his kind heart – but we truly rejoice at his release from pain and suffering.
A private burial, complete with Military Honors, will be held at a later date.
“Mouse Trap….”