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2012 SESSION

12100164D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 224
Offered March 2, 2012
Celebrating the life of Willie Junius Bradley, Jr.
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Patron-- Marsh
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WHEREAS, Willie Junius Bradley, Jr., the second of thirteen sons born to Willie and Caroline Christopher Bradley, was born on July 25, 1923, in Bremo Bluff in Fluvanna County, and passed from this life on July 2, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Willie Junius Bradley, Jr., together with his siblings, was lovingly reared in a Christian home and educated in the Fluvanna County Public Schools; he graduated from S.C. Abrams High School in 1941 and entered Virginia State College, currently Virginia State University, where he received the nickname “Bremo,” which friends affectionately called him for the rest of his life; and

WHEREAS, while a student at Virginia State University, Willie Junius Bradley, Jr., became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Gamma Chapter, on December 12, 1947, and he was awarded the Eastern Region Alpha Award of Merit by the fraternity in 1993; and

WHEREAS, his college education was interrupted by military service with the United States Army Air Corps during World War II; after his military service, Willie Junius Bradley, Jr., returned to Virginia State University in 1946 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts in 1949 and a master’s degree in 1973; and

WHEREAS, in 1950, Willie Junius Bradley, Jr., was recalled into military service, where he remained on active duty until his retirement in 1969, having proudly and valiantly served his country during World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War; he was a member of the famed “Tuskegee Airmen,” the Howard Baugh Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, and a Life Member of 555 Parachute Infantry Association (“Triple Nickel”); and

WHEREAS, Willie Junius Bradley, Jr., was employed as a real estate agent and public school teacher for the Hopewell and Petersburg Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, a dedicated Virginia State University (VSU) alumnus, Willie Junius Bradley, Jr., served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Boosters Club, Military Alumni Chapter, Industrial Technology Chapter, Greater Petersburg Area Alumni Association, VSU Athletic Advisory Committee, and VSU Alpha Phi Alpha; he was inducted into the VSU Sports Wall of Fame in 1991 and was honored as VSU Alumnus of the Year in 1996; and the 2011 VSU Athletic Golf Tournament was named in his honor; and

WHEREAS, Willie Junius Bradley, Jr., was an active participant in his community, committed himself to serving the Boy Scouts of America, and was a member of numerous civic, social, and professional organizations, including serving as Commissioner of the Crater Planning District from 1986-1991; chairman of the Tri-City Area United Negro College Fund Campaign; chairman of the Petersburg Public Schools’ Drop-Out Prevention Advisory Council; chairman of Petersburg Teenage Pregnancy Prevention; and board member of Petersburg Better Beginnings; he was a 32nd Degree Mason of Prince Hall Masons and a member of the Chesterfield Democratic Committee, the Civic and Progressive Action Association of the Matoaca Magisterial District, the Beaux Twenty Club, and Club 36; and

WHEREAS, a man of faith, Willie Junius Bradley, Jr., was a devoted member of Gillfield Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and trustee, and on numerous ministries, including the Finance and Ushers ministries, the Boy Scout Troop, Men’s Fellowship, and the Pastoral Search Committee; he was named “Gillfield Man of the Year for 2001-2002”; and

WHEREAS, during his lifetime, Willie Junius Bradley, Jr., received numerous awards, recognitions, and accolades, among them the VFW Post 622 Outstanding Scouter Award; the Boy Scouts of America Robert E. Lee Council Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to youth in 2002; the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Community Service Award; and awards from the Ettrick Youth Sports Association and National Pan-Hellenic Council; and

WHEREAS, Willie Junius Bradley, Jr., loved to travel and play pinochle and enjoyed sports; a singular high point in his life was being selected as a movie extra for the television special The Vernon Johns Story in 1994 and the Hollywood film Major Payne in 1995, which were both filmed in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Willie Junius Bradley, Jr., was devoted to his family and was a loyal friend, faithful churchman, and committed public servant; an encouraging presence to many people; and a stalwart and courageous soldier who served his country as a part of a historic team of African American aviators who never lost a man; his life is worthy of emulation; and

WHEREAS, all who loved and knew him cherish his loving memory and sorely miss him; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Willie Junius Bradley, Jr.; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Willie Junius Bradley, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his enduring memory.