Mark Vernon Bradley

     Mark Vernon Bradley passed on to his next mission, January 31, 2023, in Oklahoma City, at the age of 64 years.  Memorial services are scheduled for 10:00 AM, Friday, February 10, 2023, at Wadley’s Funeral Service.   

     Mark was born October 29, 1958, in Bernice, Louisiana to Vernon Leon Bradley and Rosemary Twitty Ramsey.  Mark graduated from high school in Stratford, Oklahoma in 1977.  Mark joined the U.S. Army that summer, where he served until February of 1992.  During his military service, Mark achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class through his position as a Special Forces Green Beret during the Gulf War. A list of decorations, medals, and ribbons he earned include the Army Service Ribbon, Army Lapel Button, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star-2, M16 Expert Badge, Army Achievement Medal, Parachute Badge, Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd AWD), NCO Professional Development Ribbon, and Kuwait Liberation Medal. Some remember Mark as an artist, referring to his song writing abilities and guitar playing skills. He also appreciated the art of others and collected Beatles memorabilia and supported artists that he came across.  Others recall a man with a servant’s heart that helped his neighbors, made friends everywhere, and dug a water well in Ethiopia.  His desire to help others also led him to volunteer at the Veterans Memorial Canton, Texas and other places.  Mark loved nature, and the rolling green hills of North Carolina were always on his mind.  He appreciated his visits back there over the years, and even had one of his poems printed on a card for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse alongside original artwork by his uncle. 
   

            Hatteras Light
    I took your spiral to the sky,
    Above the sea and land.
    A grand design of black and white,
    So boldly on the sand.

    You shared your light but for a moment,
    Must you so soon depart?
    A grand design of black and white,
    Like great ephemeral art.
                                        ~ Mark V. Bradley
     

     Above all, we see Mark as a soldier, not only through his military service, but through his fights off of the battlefield.  In his own words, “I’ve got new boots! This time, this mission, this patrol, I gratefully accept my Savior’s yoke on my shoulders... this time I’m wearing God’s FULL armor.”  He did not lose a fight, not in any way.  In the end, he relied on his relationship with Jesus Christ to pull him through, and that is exactly what happened.

     Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Rosemary; and a nephew.  Survivors include his siblings, Connie Bradley of Tucson, AZ., Carole McClure and husband, Ron of Athens, TX, Robert Paul Bradley and wife, Lori of Lexington, Philip Bradley and wife, Starla of Lexington; along with numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

    To make a charitable donation in Mark’s memory, please consider on of the following:
    Hope Springs Water, PO Box 1567, Athens, TX 75751; or a Veteran’s organization of your choice.