Dr. Merrill Northington Bradley, MD

Born at St. Vincent’s Hospital in November 1927, he remained a lifelong resident of Birmingham. As a boy he attended Birmingham University School from 1941 to 1943 before matriculating to Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. Following in the footsteps of his father and brother, he attended Princeton University as a member of the graduating class of 1949.

From boyhood he knew he wanted to be a doctor, so he enrolled in Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and graduated class of 1953. It was during his internship at Roosevelt Hospital in New York City that he met his future and loving wife, Julia Hausman, who was working as a nurse anesthetist. After their marriage in 1956, he was commissioned as a surgeon in the United States Navy and moved to San Francisco where he served on the USS Bon Homme Richard during the Korean War.

He was honorably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant Commander in 1958 and moved back to Birmingham to complete his residency at UAB School of Medicine as a cardiovascular thoracic surgeon. He served as Chief of Surgery at St. Vincents Hospital, the same hospital where he had been born, and as Chief Medical Officer for Alabama Power Company. Known by his colleagues and patients as a tireless and compassionate surgeon, he practiced in Birmingham until his retirement over three decades later.

He was an active member of the Downtown Rotary Club and served as president in 1991. He was also a member of Mountain Brook Club and Birmingham Country Club. This past spring he was recognized as a 50-year member of the Redstone Club.

During his retirement, he and Julia travelled the world, visiting many locations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, China, Japan, and Canada. When they returned from abroad, they always brought something special for their grandchildren, souvenirs they still treasure. He especially loved spending time at their second home in Snowmass, Colorado, where he enjoyed skiing in the winter and summers exploring off-road trails and observing wildlife.

Together with his wife, they gave generously to St. Vincents’ Foundation, United Way of Central Alabama, Children’s Hospital, and other charities in Alabama.

He instilled a strong sense of civic duty, personal responsibility, and industriousness in his children and grandchildren, while also displaying kindness and an incredible quick and dry wit. His devotion to his wife, family, and friends serve as an enduring example to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory and remember his unwavering kindness include his sons Merrill N. Bradley, Jr. (Yelena) and Thomas Lyons Bradley (Joanne); his daughters Dr. Mary Allen Bradley and Julia Bradley Rowe (Steve); his grandchildren Julia Rowe Cullimore (Jeremy), Marguerite Ashford Rowe Morris (Henry), Stephen Bradley Rowe, Rose Teresa Bradley (Beau), and Christopher Lee Bradley; and his great grandchildren: Alvah Theodore Cullimore, Lee Rhett Cullimore, Louise Earle Morris, and George Bradley Morris.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Julia Hausman, his parents Lee C. Bradley, Jr. and Mary Allen Northington Bradley, and siblings Lee C. Bradley, III and Earle B. Murray.

The family wants to give special thanks to his caregivers Donna Carroll and Jessica Wells, whom he cherished and who treated him like their own parents, and also recognizes Danberry at Inverness for its wonderful facility, excellent staff, and caring residents.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request that any donations be made to your favorite charity.

A family memorial service will be held at a later date.