George Philip Bradley

George Philip Bradley was born on June 10, 1956 in Mobile, Alabama. He passed away in Mobile on April 26, 2024 with his older brother, Chet, at his bedside. He is the youngest of two sons born of the marriage of Chester A. Bradley, Jr. and Julia Phillips Bradley. Both parents predeceased him. He is survived by his only sibling, Chester A. Bradley, III and wife, Alana Oxford Bradley, and nephew, Dr. Chester A. “Cab” Bradley, IV, and wife, Charlee Bisch Bradley. He is also survived by two special aunts, Georgia Kathleen Phillips Roberts and Jean Bradley Jones, with whom he extremely enjoyed frequent telephone conversations up to the time of his death. George was also a proud and loving uncle of his nephew, Cab, interested in every phase of his life from infant continuing through adulthood.

George grew up in Mobile, Alabama and attended Westlawn Elementary School and Mary B. Austin Elementary School. These were fond memories of a different era when children walked or rode their bikes to school with neighborhood friends.

George was raised in a loving Christian home. The entire family was involved as members of Dauphin Way Baptist Church on Sunday mornings and evenings, Wednesday children’s choir and activities, and Vacation Bible School each Summer where the children enjoyed getting to ride home on Mobile City buses chartered by the church.

The Bradley family moved to Springhill, Louisiana when George was 13, due to his father being transferred to a new position with International Paper Company. The small town atmosphere and location was much different than Mobile, and George enjoyed ownership of a horse, horseback riding, and making new friends. His father died of a sudden heart attack when George was 15. George was a very attentive, helpful, and understanding son to his mother during this very difficult time. George was the recipient of many academic and leadership awards at Springhill High School, was a member of the tennis team, and was elected President of the Student Body, his senior year.

George received his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana. He left Tech his final quarter, moving to Natchitoches, Louisiana to work as a reporter for The Natchitoches Times. George did not “walk” during the graduation ceremony, and although he officially completed the degree program and was graduated, he did not receive his diploma. He would joke with his mother that he didn’t graduate; and due to his dry sense of humor, she never knew if he was serious. It upset and worried her immensely. Finally, his brother, Chet couldn’t take it any longer, and paid a visit to Tech, and Wiley Hilburn, Head of the Journalism Department. Mr. Hilburn pulled the diploma out of his desk drawer and said, “George really doesn’t need this, he is probably the best writer who ever came through the school”.

George furthered his career in journalism as Editorial Page Editor for The Shreveport Times. He interviewed and became familiar with just about all of the Louisiana local and state politicians who would drop by his office plugging their new proposed bills or asking for the newspaper’s endorsement for the next election.

George made many close friends of north Louisiana newspaper publishers, television journalists, and syndicated columnists. They formed an informal lunch club, and some of his fondest memories were their once a month get togethers to discuss the newspaper business, politics, and personal lives. Gannett News Service transferred George to Mississippi, where he served as Managing Editor for The Hattiesburg American.

George later moved to Mobile, as his mother was beginning to age. He worked in the hotel/motel industry for a period of time as an auditor and manager for a Holiday Inn franchise. He later would move into his mother’s home to help take care of her. He was a most loving and dedicated son. He dedicated his life to her; there is no doubt that she would not have lived to the age of 96, in her own home, without his constant love and daily attention. He died two months after the death of his mother.

George was very well read in literature, religion, politics, sports, science, and current events. His mastery of the English language was amazing and his vocabulary had no end. He could converse with, or debate with anyone from any profession and hold his own. His wit, humor, soft-teasing, and love for his family will be greatly missed.

A family graveside service will be held at Pine Crest Cemetery, Mobile, Alabama Friday, May 24, 2024 at 3:00 PM.

Memorials may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 989, West Monroe, Louisiana 71294-0989.