Samuel Bradley

Samuel Keith Bradley, 77, was the firstborn son to Stephen Thomas (S.T.) Bradley and Willie Mae Bradley, September 12, 1949 in San Angelo, Texas. He grew up in San Angelo, attending Carver Elementary School and graduating from Blackshear Jr. High School in the 9th Grade. At Blackshear, he was the quarterback for the Leopard’s football team and a star player on the basketball team. Sam continued his athletic development at San Angelo Central High School, excelling in basketball and track. He was blessed to play basketball at both schools with his younger brother, Donald Thomas Bradley.

Upon graduation from Central in 1967, Samuel proudly enrolled at the University of Texas (UT) to play basketball and to run track. He was a trailblazer at UT, as he was the first Black student to earn a full athletic scholarship there. While attending UT, Samuel and Patricia Organ Bradley were raising their young son, Patrick Samuel Bradley. Sam received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at UT. Playing professional basketball in the American Basketball Association League was a dream come true for Sam.

Sam lived over 20 years in Denver, Colorado and worked in the field of Engineering. While living in Denver he met and married his beloved Shelia. After retiring from the Sandrand Fluid Handling Company as a Supervising Engineer, he moved back to San Angelo where he resided until death. In his hometown, Sam was well known for his card-playing, domino-playing, excitement following all sports on TV and attending football games at Central High and Angelo State University.

Sam was a private person, preferring to love family and friends intermittently from a distance. Yet, he socialized with friends, classmates and relatives at the request of his loving mother, Ms. Willie Mae, our community mother and hostess in her home. Sam and Don were Mom Bradley’s support, horse power, financial assistance and most loyal cheerleaders, as Ms. Willie Mae ministered to everyone by serving delicious meals during most holidays. In March 2022, Sam donated $10,000 to St. Paul Baptist Church in remembrance of his mother. The congregation named the newly renovated kitchen the “Willie Mae Bradley Memorial Fellowship Hall” to honor her many years of loving service.

Samuel’s parents, S. T. and Willie Mae, sister, Doris and brother, Don, preceded him in death. His son, Patrick, survives him to carry the legacy of the beloved Bradley family. Many friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins fondly remember him. See ya Sam!

A celebration of life for Samuel will be held Monday, October 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Miracle Temple, San Angelo, Texas.