Ernest Bradley, Jr. August 29, 2022

Donations to the Orlando Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi,
Administration Building Fund
Cashapp: $OAC1947

PayPal: Keeperofexchequer@orlandokappas.com

Or

The Washing Shores Presbyterian Church

COVID-19 protocols will be in place and seating will be limited. The family is providing a live-stream for your convenience below:
Zoom Meeting Information For Funeral Services

Topic: Funeral Services for Mr. Ernest Bradley, Jr.
Time: Sep 7, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting via the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85424120416?pwd=QTlZWnRhQldXOS94blhsYVFpTnN1dz09

Dial by phone:
+1 646 931 3860
+1 301 715 8592

Meeting ID: 854 2412 0416
Passcode: 477394

Ernest Bradley, Jr.
Ernest Bradley, Jr.
Life’s Journey
Ernest Bradley, Jr. was the only child, born to the late Ernest Bradley, Sr. and Doris Jones Bradley in Windsor, Florida.
Ernest was educated in the Public Schools of Orange County, Florida. He graduated from Jones High School, class of 1951. Ernest was a member of the Jones High School Football team and as an exceptional athlete he earned a four-year athletic scholarship to play football at South Carolina State University (formally College), in Orangeburg, South Carolina. During his matriculation, he did more than played football and studied; he found his future wife, Shirley Janet Richardson, who affectionately called him “Brad”. In 1956, Ernest and Shirley graduated from SCSC, earning him a dual Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and Biology.
Upon graduation, he became gainfully employed at Brewer High School in Greenwood, South Carolina, where he taught Physical Education and coached basketball and football for six years. During his tenure at Brewer High school, he wedded the love of his life, Shirley in 1958. In 1961, they became the parents of their first daughter, Ernita Renee. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Orlando, Florida where he continued his teaching career in Seminole County Public Schools at Crooms Academy in Sanford, Florida.
After three successful years at Crooms Academy, he then acquired a teaching position within the Orange County Public School System, at Carver Junior High School. In 1967, that same year, Bradley and Shirley had their second daughter, Janet Vernette. During his tenure at Carver, he served as a teacher of physical education and the department chairperson.
As a result of integration, his name was pulled out of the “fishbowl” to be sent to Conway Junior High School as a PE teacher. After a short six weeks, he was asked by the Assistant Superintendent to return to Carver Junior High School to serve as the Dean of Students – managing the discipline of students. Within a two-year period, he received another promotion to serve as the Assistant Principal of Instruction. With these acquired administrative promotions Bradley, decided to secure his career in the public school system by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision for Secondary Education from Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida.
After acquiring a Master’s Degree and based on his effective work ethics, Bradley continued to work in the capacity of an Assistant Principal for several more years. He demonstrated exemplary leadership skills, which led to him ultimately being selected to serve as the Principal of Carver. During his time at Carver, he was instrumental in working with the Orange County Public System (OCPS) Board in the construction of a gymnasium being erected at Carver Junior High School.
Just four years prior to his retirement he was informed by OCPS administration that his leadership and strategic planning skills as a principal was needed to support Westridge Junior High School. Despite his reluctance in leaving Carver, he found success in improving discipline, making educational achievement strides of the students and building the morale of the teachers.
While at Westridge, the staff at Carver Junior High School believed Mr. Bradley’s tenure was abruptly ended without any form of celebration. Therefore, they applied to OCPS requesting that the work exhibited by Mr. Bradley as a Physical Education Teacher, Football and Basketball Coach, Athletic Director, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Principal in addition to overseeing the construction of the Gymnasium warranted recognition. Therefore, they requested to have the Gymnasium named in his honor – which was granted by OCPS. Today, Carver Middle School’s athletic complex is named the ERNEST BRADLEY, JR. GYMNASIUM. On May 14, 1996 Mr. Bradley was inducted into the Orange County Public Schools Gymnasium Hall of Fame. Mr. Bradley felt honored as he believed he was a dedicated employee "just doing his job" serving the students and staff of Orange County Schools. Mr. Bradley felt that he had a life filled with educational challenges that he met with competence and dedication for the betterment of the community he served.
Although, Bradley was a dedicated educator, he also committed his time and talents to his church, fraternity, social and civic engagements. As a devout Christian, he became a member of the Washington Shores Presbyterian Church where he has served as a Chairperson of the Trustee Board, Deacon and Usher. In 2014, he was honored by the Men of Washington Shores Presbyterian Church with the “Ernest Niblack Man of the Year Award” in appreciation for his dedication and many years of service to the work of the church.
For the past 44 years Brother Bradley was a devoted member of the Orlando Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. where he worked on various committees upholding the mission and principles of the fraternity to inspire service in the public’s interest, mentoring young men in the Kappa Jr. League and supporting key undergraduate and community programs.
Bradley also was quite active in the HOST of Orlando, Old School “Tailgaters,” the Orlando Chapter of the South Carolina State University Alumni Association and the Clear Lake Bunche Manor/Hollando Homeowners Association as Treasurer. In these organizations he supported the various community service projects of giving to the local community and fundraising to support scholarship campaigns providing academic support for the youth of Orlando to attend colleges and universities. Additionally, Bradley gave of his talents as a community/political activist serving as Campaign Manager for the late City of Orlando District 5 Commissioners- Napoleon “Nap” Ford and Daisy W. Lynum. As Bradley continued to give back to his community, he was also honored in December, 2014 with the Richard Evans Hall of Fame Induction for his coaching contributions at Crooms Academy in Sanford, Florida.
Ernest Bradley, Jr. loved his “Bradley” Family as he was instrumental in providing structure and organization of the seven branches that represents the children of Thomas and Mariah Bradley – known as the “Bradley Family Reunion”. He served as President for several terms to ensure the Motto of the family: A Family that Prays Together – Stays Together remained strong.
Bradley transitioned to his next assignment on August 29, 2022. He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Bradley, Sr. and his mother Doris Jones Bradley. His legacy is remembered by his loving wife of 64 years Shirley Richardson Bradley; two daughters, Ernita Bradley Hemmitt, Ellenwood, Georgia and Janet Bradley Brown (Alexander), Upper Marlboro, Maryland; granddaughters, Aste Hemmitt Beasley (Issac), Imani Hemmitt, Nia Hemmitt, Trinity Brown and Alexis Brown; sister-in-law, I. Elaine R. Akins (Nick), brother-in-law, Benjamin A. Richardson (Sarah), first cousins – the late Doreatha B. Orr, Connie B. Harris (late Bill), Betty B. Smith (Ralph) and extended family “sister” Mary Stinson Dexter Murray and a host of other relatives and friends.