Harry Dean Bradley

Harry Dean Bradley, 68, of Tampa, Florida passed away on December 6, 2017 at Florida Hospital Tampa. He was born on December 21, 1948 in Vincennes, Indiana to Trooper Harry B and Peggy (Pace) Bradley. Harry served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War then reenlisted and served as an investigator for the Staff Judge Advocates Office in Germany. Upon his return to civilian life Harry became a deputy sheriff of Hillsborough County Florida where he proudly served for 28 years. During his time with the sheriff’s office he became a Traffic Accident Investigator and advanced to become a Traffic Accident Re-constructionist. For a time he was a motorman until an unfortunate accident left him with a broken left leg. During his time with the Sheriff’s office he went to several specialized schools through The Institute of Police Traffic Management and earned several commendations and honors. In 1973 Harry wed Yvonne Witt and in September 1976 they welcomed a daughter Katrina Joy Bradley, their marriage ended in 1978. On December 19, 1981 he married Susan Rae (Irving) Crandall in Tampa, Florida where they enjoyed sharing 36 years together. Harry gained three sons in the marriage as well, William Lee, David Todd, and Christopher Michael Crandall. Harry and Susan traveled several times to Key West and could be found singing along with Sally Foster at the Quay or sporting cigars walking down Duval Street. They also ventured to Antigua and to Jamaica. While in Jamaica they enjoyed four wheeling in the mountains and rain forests or snorkeling off the beach of the resort, and of course they went to climb Dunns River Falls. Unfortunately with his bad leg, they would not let Harry climb the falls; he had to take the stairs. Harry retired from the Sheriff’s office in 2005. He was not ready to retire and took on some odd jobs for a while until he secured a position at Busch Gardens Tampa in their security department. It was almost as if he started a whole new career. After learning the park he was assigned to the mobile unit. He watched over the parking lots to make sure the guests vehicles were safe, assisted guests in finding their vehicles and controlled rowdy behavior when necessary. He also made sure the vehicles were maintained properly on a daily basis. While there he taught several security guards how to write a proper accident and incident reports. Finally in late 2016 he hung up his spurs and decided he would finally settle down to true retirement. In the spring of 2017 he was invited to the Memorial Service for the Fallen Illinois Law Enforcement Officers to honor his father who died in the line of duty. He drove up and enjoyed the service and was able to visit his boyhood home. In November he and his wife joined her family in Hilton Head, South Carolina to celebrate thanksgiving. He was taught how to play Mexican Train and had a great time. Harry’s favorite thing to do to relax was to play with his little dogs. He never had many pets growing up but he just loved his puppies. He would lay on the floor with them and let them jump on him and lick his face. He also was quite proficient playing World of Warships and World of War Aircraft. To watch him with his joystick in one hand and moving his body with the moves of the plane was a sight to see. Some people thought Harry was a tough, crusty, no nonsense guy. He did have high standards and didn’t put up with nonsense but he really was just a marshmallow toasted on the fire too long. Crusty and crackly burnt on the outside and mush on the inside. He would hold his ground if riled and you’d better just back away but then he would stop for a complete stranger to lend them a hand. He had all kinds of stories from working the streets. He could entertain anyone that cared to pull up a seat and listen. In the last year of his life he volunteered at the new Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office History Center. Harry touched the life of so many from his time in the US Army, The Sheriff’s Office, Busch Gardens, and his personal life and family. He will be missed by many. A visitation will take place at Blount & Curry Funeral Home Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618, from 4pm-8pm on Monday, December 18, 2017 and from 10am-12pm on Tuesday, December 19, 2017; the memorial service will follow at 12pm on Tuesday, December 19, 2017. A graveside service will take place at 12:45pm on Friday, December 22, 2017 at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard, St. Petersburg, FL 33708. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HCSO Charities, Inc. www.BlountCurryCarrollwood.com