Troy Lancer Bradley

7/17/1972 - 7/7/2023

E-5 SGT USMC

3/23/1992 – 2/6/2005

War Veteran – Kosovo 1999, Kuwait 2003, Iraq 2004

Troy was born in Terry County, Texas to Lorretta Faye Vick and Walter Lee Wise. Due to tragic circumstances, he was later adopted at the age of 5 by Neil Elwood Bradley and Shirley Bradley. Troy grew up in Aledo, Azle and Ft. Worth, Texas until joining the Marine Corps in March of 1992.

Troy was preceded in death by all parents apart from his biological mother Loretta, still residing in Texas. He was also preceded in death by his oldest daughter and most beautiful angel in heaven, Sierra Lynn Bradley who tragically passed in 2016, and who without a doubt was waiting anxiously with open arms and a huge smile for her daddy’s arrival in Heaven.

Troy is survived by the love of his life whom he cherished with every ounce of his being, of 25 years Denise Lynn Bradley, and his strong, determined and beautiful daughter ‘Little Booger’ Jessica Leigh Bradley (David) (& Fur Buddy) and his in-laws John and Sandra Schultz – all residing in the home in Wilmington, NC. Troy loved his wife’s family as his own. Sister-in-law Sheila Schultz Scherer (Gene) and family; Son Talon (Shannon) Grayson, Ella; Daughter Shalee and son Tristan – Sister-in-law Deborah Schultz Raborn and family; Daughter Kelly (Mike) Christine, David, Thomas; Son John (Krista) Kaylei and daughter Everleigh, Andi-Jo “AJ” and Allie; Daughter Brittany (Josh) Jeremiah and Gabriel.

Troy is also survived by his Aunt Sharon Kay Sell on his dad’s side and numerous cousins Chris, Misty, Tommy Jr, Lisa, Iva, Patti and their families, all of Texas. Troy was fortunate enough through a long 8-year exhaustive search coordinated by his wife, to finally learn the story of his life as a child and find his biological family in 2006. He planned a trip to Texas where he was welcomed with open arms by a family he never knew existed, and who he found numerous common interests with as well as people whom he shared physical traits with. Troy was worried sick that once he found his family, he would be rejected, but they too are full of love and compassion just as he was. Troy knew going into finding out where he came from that his story may be one that wasn’t filled with all good things. It didn’t matter to him. It was important to him to know the truth and not to lay blame on anyone for him being adopted. He also feels it’s very important for those adopted to at least do as he did and learn the truth. All Troy ever wanted was a family that he shared blood with, to know his ancestry. He found all the answers and accepted what was.

Troy served in the United States Marine Corps for 13 years returning home from the Iraq War in 2004 as a Sergeant E5. He served in LAV/LAI/LAR 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion 2nd Marine Division out of Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC. Through his time in the Marine Corps, he formed many lifelong bonds that he cherished. After his time in the Marine Corps, Troy and his wife Denise became Lifetime Members of the Marine Corps League Detachment 1070 of Wilmington, where Troy served as the Sergeant of Arms and served as the planning master for Parades and Floats.

Troy spent many years as an active parent leading the charge for both of his daughters Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, better known as NJROTC throughout their high school years, and was known as Papa Bradley to hundreds of young adults whom he counseled or simply listened to.

Troy had a long career with Sunbelt Rentals and was proud to be a part of such a wonderful establishment, as their Maintenance Mechanic. He was always thankful and grateful to work for a company that supported all veterans.

As of late, Troy became active in Access of Wilmington’s Project Soar, a Non-Profit Organization for Veterans. This organization allowed him to begin to live again after his daughter Sierra’s passing in 2016 and he was able to do things that were lifelong bucket list items like skiing, rock climbing and scuba diving to name a few. Troy made an instant impact on everyone he met, and through this program his smile began to shine bright once again.

Sadly, on the morning of Friday July 7th, during one of his dives 17 miles off the coast of Wrightsville Beach, NC, at the Markham wreck, something went tragically wrong and although Troy attempted to surface, he was unsuccessful and tragically lost his life doing something he absolutely loved. Troy had said on many occasions that scuba diving made him feel closer to his beloved daughter Sierra. He felt free underwater and at peace as if there were no worries in the world. He met many new people through Project Soar and formed instant bonds with them all.

It’s important to know that Troy never knew a stranger, was a ray of light for so many people, he always tried lifting people up, making them smile, cracking jokes and would do anything and everything to help anyone in their time of need. He never asked anyone for anything. Troy loved everyone. Troy was very tender hearted and for 7 years suffered silently over his daughter’s passing. The Marine Corps taught him to dig deep and bury the pain. Project Soar helped him to live and enjoy the simple things in life.

It is also important to know that Troy felt it important to speak openly about the loss of Sierra, and about the things he faced during times of War. He found that speaking openly about those things helped others cope / heal / and learn from his experiences. He also urged others to open up about their troubles, because he believed keeping it all in was unhealthy.

Troy will forever be missed by all that knew and loved him.

The family will receive friends from 6-8pm on Friday, July 21, 2023 at Coble Funeral Home Chapel, 1155 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington, NC. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at Coble Funeral Home with Military Honors presented.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CobleGreenlawn.com for the Bradley family.