Bradley Quelch Wootten

He was born November 21, 1944, at James Walker Memorial Hospital in Wilmington NC to Bradley Jewett Wootten and Gerda Quelch Wootten, who predecease him along with his first wife, Patricia Vaughn Wootten.

Bradley’s paternal ancestors reach back into colonial era Wilmington. His great-grandfather Rev. Edward Wootten was an Episcopal minister who lived next door to St. James Church on South Third Street, with his wife Eliza Yonge Jewett Wootten. One of his fondest memories as a young boy was ascending the bell tower at St. James Church with his grandfather, the late Edward Wootten to survey what was then all of Wilmington.

Bradley proudly served his country in the United States Army for 22 years, beginning with a tour in Vietnam (1968), and was later assigned to multiple Army bases in the U.S. and Germany. He completed his service in 1990 at The Pentagon, where he served in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Logistics, and Environment. He rose to the rank of Lt. Col., and among others, was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and the Army Commendation Medal during his career.

Fully aware he had more to offer following retirement from the Army, Bradley accepted a position with PEC Solutions, Inc. in Fairfax, VA, where for the next twenty years, he provided support to federal and state agencies for the implementation, acquisition, and management of information technology and related products and services. He also served as an Adjunct Full Professor in the Graduate School of Business at Webster University for forty years, lecturing on various business and acquisition related subjects.

Bradley graduated with an M.S. in Information Systems Management from the University of Southern California in 1980. He was awarded his B.S. degree in Business Administration/Sociology from Coker College in 1974. Bradley graduated from A.C. Flora High School in Columbia, S.C.

As notable as his many career accomplishments were, Bradley fed his soul by spending time with his large and loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rebecca Lynne Owens and their Jack Russell/Schnauzer dog Minnie Pearl; daughter Patricia Wootten of Woodbridge, VA; daughter Ginger Auld of Greenville, SC; daughter Lynn Auld Turner (Mark) of Traveler’s Rest, SC; daughter Betsy Auld Rowell (Jeff) of Pawley’s Island, S.C. He is also survived by one sister, Missy Aslund (Charlie) of Fuquay Varina, NC, and niece Hannah (Andy) Johnson.

He was a cherished grandfather to four grandchildren: Ashley Rowell Testerman, Sara Turner Redmon (Michael), Austin Rowell (Tricia), and Abby Rowell, in addition to four great grandchildren, Cooper Testerman, Lilly Testerman, Hayden Rowell, and Colton Rowell.

Bradley is also survived by a large family of cousins in the area, with whom he enjoyed spending time once he returned to his origins in Wilmington, NC. It was one of those cousins, family matriarch Dr. Anne Russell, who introduced him eight years ago to his wife, Rebecca.

Bradley held memberships in the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the American Legion, and the VFW. He also was an enthusiastic member of the Carolina Yacht Club in Wrightsville Beach, NC, where his great uncle Richard Bradley had been the first Commodore. Suppers on the dining porch with family and friends delighted Brad in recent times.

His wry sense of humor and his talent for the “odd insight” will be terribly missed. During retirement, Bradley developed his skills as an amateur cartoonist, birthing a delightfully mischievous character that only he could invent: Mr. Spooky. He enjoyed commenting on the world through Mr. Spooky, offering insights into human nature, with the unexpected twist. He and his wife Rebecca enjoyed spending time together on the beach and attending regular concerts at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater and Live at Ted’s. Their shared love of Americana and Bluegrass music gave them considerable pleasure.

Services to honor Bradley’s life will be held on Saturday, May 30 at 2:00 pm at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel, located at 4108 College Rd., Wilmington, NC, followed by a graveside service at Oakdale Cemetery 520 N. 15th St, Wilmington, NC. The family will receive at 1:00 pm at Andrews Valley Chapel.

To celebrate Brad’s life, feel free to wear attire in your favorite colors.

In lieu of flower gifts, please consider donating in Brad’s memory to one of his favorite charities, Harbor Food Ministry at Harbor Methodist Church. The church is located at 4853 Masonboro Loop Rd. Wilmington, NC 28409 or access “Give” at harboronline.org