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Tryon— Donald Gene Bradley, 82, of Tryon, North Carolina, died January 9, 2024, due to complications of Alzheimer’s and Covid-19 with his wife and sons by his side.

Don was born in Pitcher, Oklahoma in 1941 to the late Howard S. Bradley and Corrine M. Bradley. As a teenager he lived in Miami, Florida. A small town then, he enjoyed being outside and boating and fishing on Biscayne Bay. He attended Miami Senior High School and studied mathematics for several years at the University of Florida. He then joined the Army and was discharged in 1966. He went to work as the General Manager of Woodlawn Park Cemetery in Miami, Florida. While there he started woodworking as a hobby making toys for his sons like fishing poles and train sets. He then started to build furniture and excelled at it. In 1982 he started his business, Donald Bradley Reproductions, in Miami. As one of the best craftsmen in the country went on to build fine furniture for the rest of his career, relocating to Tryon in 1995.

Surviving include wife of 55 years Helen L. Bradley, sons Keith A. Bradley (Columbia, South Carolina), Kevin Bradley (Saluda, North Carolina), sister Maye Culley (Miami, Oklahoma), Janice Peterson (Winston-Salem, North Carolina), and stepbrother Nestor Bradley (Mexico). He also had nephew Danny (deceased), niece Crystal, great-nephew Travis, and great-nephew David.

His ashes will be spread in a private ceremony with family and close friends. Donations to Foothills Humane Society would be greatly appreciated.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon, NC