Brian Bradley

Brian Joseph Bradley, 45 of Abilene, died last Thursday, passing peacefully in his sleep. He lived a life full of adventure and one defined by care and commitment to others. His passing from this earth came too soon, but he lives on in our hearts and with his Lord.

Brian was born at Hendrick Hospital in Abilene, to loving parents Brad and Judy Bradley and was later joined by his brother, Daniel, to complete their close-knit family of four. He was a strong-willed child driven by enthusiasms and passions that would define him throughout life and lead to such adventures as four wheeling, snowboarding, dirt bike racing, rattle snake catching and offroading just to name a few.

From an early age, Brian developed a love for hunting and the outdoors, gifted to him by his grandpa Leo, who taught him to shoot, hunt and fish. Over his life, the setting changed from the mesquite and juniper dotted plains of West Texas to the expanses of the Gulf of Mexico and Alaskan wilderness, and the game changed from dove and catfish to moose and marlins. Wherever he was, Brian felt most alive outdoors, finding both peace in the calmness of nature and exhilaration in a rifle shot and the kill. Some of the best times of his life were spent with friends traipsing around West Texas ranches or in quiet wait in pursuit of game.

Brian was known for his genuine interest in and concern for the lives of others. He always offered an ear to friends and family who needed someone to listen and served as a reliable source of comfort. His family and friends knew him for his kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity towards those around him.

Driven by his interest in helping others, Brian studied psychology at Tarleton State University, where he was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity. Following graduation, he pursued a career in mental health services working in group homes and as a case manager at Texas MHMR. He earned a master’s degree in psychology from Hardin Simmons. In recent years, Brian became a successful small-business owner, building and operating Trinity Vapor Lounge in Abilene.

Brian also found solace in his enduring faith in Christ. Raised in a Christian home, he joined the Catholic Church as an adult and regularly attended mass at Holy Family Catholic Church in Abilene. He married Judy Jaramillo of Abilene and with her dog-parented their beloved American Brittany, Lexi, and ran their business, Trinity Vapor Lounge. Brian was a beloved member of Judy’s large family, who loved him like a son and a brother. Although their marriage later ended, Brian and Judy maintained a love and commitment towards each other until his death.

Brian is survived by his parents, Brad and Judy of Abilene; brother Daniel, sister-in-law Elisabeth and nephews James and Samuel Bradley of Alexandria, Virginia; former-spouse Judy and her family; aunt and uncle, Elizabeth and Lawrence El-Attrache of Abilene; aunt and uncle, Paula and Ricky Henderson of Mercedes, Texas; aunt Annabella Landreth of Abilene; aunt Carla Landreth of Deleon, Texas; aunt Teresa Gideon of New Mexico; and numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Leo and June Bradley, and George and Eppie Jean Landreth; and uncles Terry Landreth and Darrell Landreth.

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5410 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene, TX, at 11:00 AM on Friday November 17. A Celebration of Brian’s life will be held that evening at the family’s home in Abilene.