Mr. Hugh J. Bradley

Mr. Hugh J. Bradley, one of Nashville's most respected Banking Executives, died June 20, 1994, following a brief illness. Mr.Bradley had served as Chairman of the Board of Security Federal Saving and Loan, and, was Vice-President of Loans for Regions Bank, until his death. Mr. Bradley was a highly respected Certified Property Appraiser, and, was often called upon by other financial institutions, for this expertise.

A Deacon at Edgefield Baptist Church, Mr. Bradley was an active member and supporter of this historic church in East Nashville.

Mr. Bradley was a Past Sovereign Grand Master of the World, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having served in that international office in 1978 and 1979. He had formerly been Chairman of the Finance Committee of The Sovereign Grand Lodge for a number of years, and, served on the Relocation Committee, moving the International headquarters of the World-wide Fraternity, from Baltimore, Maryland, to the present location in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was a Past Grand Master of Tennessee, and, at the time of his death was Grand Treasurer of theGrand Lodge in Tennessee, Odd Fellows, and, the Odd Fellows Hall Association, Inc. Nashville.

Mr. Bradley was the vision behind the forming of the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs World Eye Bank and Visual Research Foundation, now known as the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Visual Research Foundation. Through his efforts, and, the support of the Committee, more than two million dollars have been trusted to endow a chair in eye research at Johns Hopkins University-Wilmer Eye Institute, one of the world's foremost eye research universities.

The Visual Resaerch Foundation has established the coveted "Hugh J. Bradley Award" in his memory, honoring one individual each year, in the worldwide scope of this Committee, who contributes the greatest effort in their endeavors. This award is not limited to members of the Organization.

Funeral Services were conducted at his church, Edgefield Baptist Church in Nashville, and, entombment followed in The Cross Mausoleum at Woodlawn Memorial Park, next to his beloved late wife, Sara.

Mr. Bradley is survived by one daughter, Mavis (Dean) Ward, of Hartsville, Tennessee; two Grandchildren: Harrell Ward, now of Iowa and Mike Ward of Tennessee; five great-grandchildren.

Hugh loved life, his God, his family, his church, and, the Odd Fellows worldwide. He dedicated his efforts to the Visual Research Foundation, primarily.

He was known as a man of absolute integrity, honesty, fairness, dignity, and, ability.

He is still missed by all who both knew, and, loved him.