Donald M.D.

Donald Hughes Bradley Sr., M.D., age 87 of Sparta, passed away September 13, 2013 at Life Care Center of Sparta.

Dr. Bradley was born to Dewey Donald Bradley and Eno Horn Bradley, July 23, 1926, Bon Air, Tennessee, White County.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, John Edd Bradley and James Fredrick Bradley. A sister Joyce Louise McComb survives in Jonesboro, TN. Donald Hughes Bradley Jr., M.D, his only son died at age 50. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Bradley of 64 years and their two daughters, Deborah Stark of Palm Harbor, FL and Benay Cada of Yantis, TX; 10 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren also survive.

Doctor Bradley received his early education in the Sparta School System and graduated White County High School in 1944. Two weeks later, he joined the Navy, served aboard the U.S.S. Bunker Hill in World War II, he was wounded and discharged in 1946. He entered Tennessee Tech College for Pre- Medical education in Cookeville. He was accepted to University of Tennessee Medical School in 1948 in Memphis, Tennessee & graduated there in 1952. The following year he did a rotating internship at Nashville General Hospital and worked in the office of Dr. James L. Fuqua. He was given many offers to practice medicine in Nashville, but deicided he should return to Sparta to be with his father since his mother had died. In 1953 he opened his first office on South Main Street in Sparta, for general practice of medicine. He was the 5th M.D. for the city and county at that time. The local hospital was in a former dwelling house on North Main Street, operated by nurse Roxie Woods. Those were the days of house calls and babies delivered in the homes of patients. His record shows 200 babies delivered by him the first year and was paid for two. Cost at that time was $50.00. Years later, a young man came to his office stating he had found that he was never paid for delivering him and another sibling and he wanted to pay. You can imagine the Doctor's surprise. In 1956, Dr. Bradley, Dr. Baker, and Dr. Andrews joined together and built the Sparta Medical Clinic in East Sparta.

He wanted to be remembered as a giver in life not only in Health care. He demonstrated that in his town and where ever he could. He was an original investor in The Sparta Golf and Country Club and Y M C A. Never having time to enjoy either himself, but to help others. He and his wife established Scholarships to help students at Lipscomb University, University of Tennesseea�"Memphis and Knoxville and Texas Tech Medical, Lubbock, Texas. He was a member of the Sparta Civitian Club and Charter member of the Lions Club. He continued his learning and training by attending all available updated lectures he could. He was a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, a counselor of the 4th District of Medical Physicians, past president of the Upper Cumberland Medical Society & Chief of Staff at the local hospital.

Dr. Bradley was a faithful member of the Central Church of Christ in Sparta from early childhood. He would say that he and his brothers were janitors at the church growing up, since his dad was one of the elders to over see the church. "Train up a child in the right way and he will not depart from it." He loved and lived to help others, as was demonstrated through out his life. He thought everyone should work hard and enjoy the reward of play time. If you knew him, you know how much he loved University of Tennessee VOLS - Football and Basketball and The Smokey Mountains.

ARRANGEMENTS

Funeral services at Central Church of Christ, Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Bro. Brian McClutchen and Bro. Roy Whited. Interment will follow in the Highland Cemetery. Family will receive friends at Central Church of Christ, Monday, September 16, 2013 at 4 p.m. till 7 p.m..

In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice, Lipscomb University, U.T. of Knoxville, Dr/Mrs. D.H. Bradley Scholarship Fund or Happy Haven Home for Children in Cookeville, TN.

Please sign the guestbook at www.thurmanfuneral.com

Thurman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.