Douglas Clyde Bradley

Age 85, Luray, Va.

Douglas Clyde Bradley, age 85, of Luray, Virginia, died peacefully on January 25, 2024, with his family by his side, and ended his journey into heaven. 

His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Doug was a hero in many ways and stayed strong until the end.

Doug was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Ann Neff Bradley, who died on January 5, 2011; and brothers James Leroy Hoak, Larry “Steve” Bradley, and Gerald “Page” Bradley.

Doug began his career as a serviceman with Sears, Roebuck & Company and on June 3, 1960 married Carol in Luray, Va. The couple relocated to Mercer County, Pa., in 1966 where he excelled in his career with Sears working his way to retail sales management for 31 years.

A pillar of the community, Doug was a member of several service organizations: Shenango Valley Masonic Lodge #810, Sharpsville Service Club, Hermitage Kiwanis Club, past president and member, and Kiwanis District Lieutenant Governor, 1979-1980 in Pennsylvania. Holding the title of Mayor in the Borough of Clark, Pennsylvania for 18 years, he was voted “Best of the Best” in 2003 after leading the borough in the recovery of a tornado that devastated the area in November of 2002. 

In 2008, Doug and Carol relocated to New Market, Virginia, where he would begin his 10 year service to the Town of New Market as Council Member and Mayor.

Prior to his declining health, Doug enjoyed golfing, hunting, and fishing. But most of all, he loved spending time with his family. Doug often spoke of how grateful he was for his wife and how proud he was of his two children and granddaughter. Doug had an infectious personality and never met a stranger.

Born July 27, 1938, he was the son of the late Robert Clyde Bradley and Leoma Irene Hoak Bradley of Luray, VA. 

Remaining to cherish Doug’s memory are his children, Marcy Carol Shirkey and husband Joe of New Market, VA, and Doug Bradley of Transfer, PA; a granddaughter, Shana Carol Davis and husband Jonathan “Jon” Davis of Joppa, MD; two brothers, Melvin Bradley and wife Peggy of Luray, VA, and Bobby Bradley and wife Millie of Luray, VA; two sisters, Sandra Painter and husband Allen of Stanley, VA, and Judith Good of Luray, VA; three sisters-in-law, Connie MacMaster and husband Bruce, Candy Savage and husband C.W., and Cathy Frey and husband Barry, all residing on the eastern shore of Virginia; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 30, at the Bradley Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Beahm’s Chapel Cemetery in Luray.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, January 29, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork St., Fourth Floor, Winchester, VA 22601; or to a local fire and/or rescue department.

A special thanks to the staff of Whispering Pines Assisted Living and Blue Ridge Hospice for the special care and concern for Doug during his most recent illness. Words cannot express the gratitude felt by the family during this difficult time.