Thomas "Graham" Bradley's Obituary
Thomas Graham Bradley passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2015 in his home with his family by his side. He was born on May 22, 1927 in Jacksonville, FL. He is the son of Bennett Bradley, Sr. and Catherine T. (Graham) Bradley. After three weeks, they left Florida so his father could obtain a job in the music business. They travelled up and down the east coast performing in various locations.
When Graham was ready to start school they moved to Chicago, Ill and lived for 4 years before moving to Decatur and settling here. Graham attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School and then went to Decatur High School, Class of 1945. While at Decatur High he was on the tennis team, he played both singles and doubles with his partner being his brother Bennett “Sonny” Bradley. Graham enlisted in the Navy during the month of May his senior year, and was called into active duty upon his graduation in June. He did naval training in Chicago and the Great Lakes before being stationed in Corpus Christi, TX. With the war closing to an end, he served there until August of 1946.
In the fall of 1946, he enrolled in the Architectural Engineering Program at the University of Illinois, Champaign and graduated with his Bachelor of Science. He was then employed by Charles Harris & Associates in 1950. He remained in this position until his retirement in 1991. The firm is currently known as BLDD Architects, Inc.
Graham was involved in many different activities and organizations throughout his life. He was a Boy Scout in Troop #3 and obtained the level of Eagle Scout. He was then Scoutmaster in Troop #120 once his son became involved in scouting. He was a member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #577 and Very Rev. Jeremiah J. Murphy Assembly #211. He was active in the Jaycees and was past President. He was involved in Noon Kiwanis Club and was past President. He was the Chairman of the City of Decatur Plan Commission and was also Chairman of the Decatur Township Cemetery Trustees. He was involved in the Macon County Historical Society and was past President. He was involved in the Decatur Power Squadron and was past Commander. He taught many classes over the years in navigation and Boating Safety. He was a member and past President of the Decatur Club. He was a charter member and church designer for Holy Family Parish. He had several hobbies including boating, tennis, golf and stained glass. He was also able to enjoy traveling with Jeannette and was able to visit every state and 19 foreign countries.
In his professional career he was a member of the American Institute of Architects. He was past President of the Illinois Council of the A.I.A. He was elected to the National Board of Directors and was selected to enter the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects.
His greatest accomplishment was marrying the love of his life Jeannette C. Burnau on September 13, 1952. They were married 63 years this fall. They became parents to Susan Cleary, Karen (Steve) Reeter, Cynthia (Jeff) Holmes, Thomas G. Bradley, Jr., and Jennifer (Mike) Hopkins. Their grandchildren Katie Reeter, Brad Cleary (Jillian Sroka), Kristie (Kyle) Kattleman, Emily Cleary (Matt Enloe), Ben Holmes (Sarah Halsey), Brittany (Collin) Madding, Michael Reeter, Collin Hopkins, Miranda Bradley, Autumn Bradley, and Parker Hopkins and 3 great-grandchildren Lucas Cleary, Lillian Cleary, and Mabel Madding. In addition, he is survived by his sisters-in-law Virginia Callaway and Annette (Dick) Ernst.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Sonny Bradley and his sister-in law Sally Lou Bradley, and his son-in-law Charles “Chuck” Cleary.
The family wishes to thank Dr. John DiMondo for his excellent care of Graham over the years.
Of all the titles he has held in his life son, husband, father, and grandfather were his favorite. He was extremely proud of his family and all their accomplishments, but they had the perfect example.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Monday, January 4, 2016 in Holy Family Catholic Church with Very Rev. Joseph M. Molloy V.F. as celebrant. Visitation will be 4-7 PM Sunday in Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Holy Family Catholic Church.
The family of Thomas Graham Bradley is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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