Lee Manuel Bradley, Sr. was the sixth child, born on February 2, 1939, to Geneva Porter Bradley and Isaac Frank Bradley, Sr. in Sawdust, Florida. Lee, as he was affectionately called, attended the public schools of Leon County in Tallahassee, Florida. He graduated from Old Lincoln High School in 1957, where he played football and was elected Senior Class President.
Lee enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June of 1957. During Lee’s illustrious thirty year career, he rose in rank to Sergeant Major in 1973. He was a Drill Instructor and also Platoon Sergeant for the Silent Drill Team, receiving numerous recognitions and medals. Lee was honorably discharged in July of 1987 at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA.
After retiring from the USMC, Lee put his recollective childhood cobbler skills to use. He opened and operated two successful shoe repair businesses in San Diego. He retired as the owner of Lee’s Shoe and Boot Repair in June of 2018.
Lee was joined in holy matrimony to Emma Jane Rush on March 7, 1960. To this union, seven children were born. Lee and Emma enjoyed sixty-three years of marital bliss.
Lee was a faithful and lifelong member of his home based church, Flipper Chapel AME Church in Tallahassee, Florida. Once he established roots in San Diego in the 1980’s, he joined Bethel AME Church.
Lee was a kind and humble man who loved his family and was always willing to help others in their time of need. Lee loved barbecues and family dinners. His favorite holiday was Thanksgiving.
On August 29, 2023, he entered into his eternal home.
Lee was preceded in death by son Kelvin Bradley, Sr. and grandson Timothy Bradley, Jr.
Cherishing his memories are: his wife of 63 years, Emma R. Bradley, three sons; Timothy Bradley, Sr. of Jacksonville, NC, Lee M. Bradley, Jr. (Deborah) of Spring Valley, CA, and Len M. Bradley (LaJuana) of Chula Vista, CA, four daughters; Geneva Bradley-Palmore (Michael) of San Marcos, CA, Karen Bradley of San Diego, CA, Tracie Bradley of Spring Valley, CA, and his very special child Monique Bradley of San Diego, CA, one brother; Nathaniel Bradley, Sr. (Constance) of Aurora, CO, one sister; Ruth B. Armstrong of Tallahassee, FL, four sisters-in-laws, two daughters-in-laws, ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives, the USMC brotherhood, and friends
