Franklin Edward "Ed" Bradley

Franklin Edward Bradley, affectionately known as Ed to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024, in Piedmont, SC. Born on December 7, 1942, in Pelzer, SC, Ed's life was marked by a keen intelligence, a lively sense of humor, and a loving faithfulness to all who knew him.

His formative years in Pelzer and his years of enlisted service in the U.S. Army greatly shaped Ed into the man he became. Upon returning from active duty in Cold War Germany as a specialist in air defense command, he met and married Joanne Griffith Bradley, and the two went on to be life partners for 58 years. Together they built a close-knit family. Ed was a devoted husband as well as a loving father and grandfather to his twin daughters Jennie and Debbie and to his grandchildren.

Ed's professional life was primarily spent in the field of Credit Union management and development. He was often respected among his colleagues for for his sharp intellect and professional discernment. Throughout his career, his genuine concern for the financial well-being of others led him to help many individuals and families with practical financial advice and money management skills.

Among varied interests, Ed particularly enjoyed traveling with his family to destinations of natural beauty, including state and national parks, the Blue Ridge Parkway, mountains, lakes, and beaches. He was also particularly fond of movies, telling jokes, and hosting dinners with his homemade BBQ. Without question, Ed left his family and friends behind with many fond memories. Ed was also actively involved in his church at Mountain Springs Baptist Church in Piedmont, SC, and previously at Townville Baptist Church in Townville, SC.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joanne; his daughters, Jennie (Louis) Lemmon and Debbie Mote; his grandchildren, Patrick (Danyelle) Lemmon, Kathleen (Jack) Lewis, Sarah Lemmon, Andrew Lemmon, Wesley Mote, and Lauren Mote; as well as 5 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brothers, Tim Bradley and Steve (Harriet) Bradley, his nieces and nephews, as well as close cousins-in-law, David and Beverly Gilliland. Ed was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Naomi Bradley, as well as his sister and brother-in law, Mildred and Hank Arflin.

Ed's life was a testament of faith, love, family, and friendship. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched with his warmth and humor. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those who knew him well.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Ed at 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Mountain Springs Baptist Church located at 412 Mountain Springs Rd, Piedmont, SC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ALS Association tribute set up in his honor: http://web.alsa.org/goto/Ed_Bradley.