Bradley, Walter Lee
Walter Lee “Bud” Bradley, 74, of Pembroke, VA departed this life too soon on September 4th, 2022 at Wake Forest Hospital. Born January 19, 1948 in Pearisburg at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital to the late Raymond and Ernestine Ratcliff Bradley, Bud was raised in Narrows alongside his brothers and sister, Jackson Dean Bradley, Darleen Bradley Dennis, and Jeffery Wayne Bradley.
Bud was a true Green Wave, playing baseball, basketball, and football. As a young man, Bud came to have saving faith in Jesus Christ and his faith was evident in his love and generosity towards others. After graduating from Narrows High School in 1966, Bud went on to ultimately complete the Apprentice School program in 1971 at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydocking Company as a welder. He taught welding in the Apprentice School and mentored many young apprentices. By the time he retired in 2011, Bud was a Master Shipbuilder, having been involved in the construction of the nuclear reactor vessels for aircraft carriers and submarines, to include the USS George Washington, the USS Abraham Lincoln, the Harry S. Truman, and his last ship the USS George H.W. Bush. Bud loved his country and was proud to serve in this way.
He was the father of two children, Amy Rae Bradley Barrett and Matthew Aaron Bradley. He adored his two granddaughters, Noelle Rae Barrett and Evalee James Barrett. Bud also had a special place in his heart for his sweet beagle, Baby.
An avid outdoorsman and excellent marksman, Bud returned to Giles County in 2011 to enjoy retired life in Pembroke. Bud spent much of his time fishing at Stoney Creek, Cripple Creek, the New River, and Wolf Creek. He loved to deer and turkey hunt (turkey hunting was his favorite) and some of his greatest kills and catches can be seen decorating the walls of Tangents Outfitters. Bud always could be seen in his favorite sports team gear: UVA and WVU. He was especially proud to be a Mountaineer amongst all his Hokie friends.
Bud is preceded in death by his parents, son Matthew Aaron Bradley, brother Jeffery Wayne Bradley; brother-in-law, Thomas E. Dennis Sr.; and nephew, Neal Dennis.
Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Amy Rae Barrett (Daniel) of Warrenton, VA; his pride and joy his grandchildren, Noelle Rae Barrett, and Evalee James Barrett; brother, Jackson Bradley (Cheri) of Chesapeake, VA; sister Darleen Dennis (Thomas) of Narrows; nieces, Kristen Michelle Crumley (Brian), Krista Kast, Rachael Wheeler (Chad), Patricia Dennis; and nephew Joshua Bradley. Bud also was blessed with great nieces, Cayla Robertson (Chad), Shayla Dennis (Chad Byrd), Emilee Dennis; and great nephews Logan Bradley Dennis, Matthew Wheeler, and Tyler Wheeler (Emily); great great nephews, Liam, Kantry, and Roman; and a great great niece Brystan. He will
be greatly missed by many friends as well.
A memorial service will be conducted at the Kendall Funeral Home Chapel on September 24, 2022 at 6:00 PM. (There will be a private hour for family only at Kendall Funeral from 5:00 PM until 6:00 PM.) A guestbook is available by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Bradley Family.