Alton Lamarr Bradley

Al Bradley of Weaverville, NC slipped the surly bonds of this life to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, forever in eternity on Thursday, August 17, 2023.

Al was born on January 1, 1964, in Hickory, NC. He was raised by wonderful parents Dave and Pat Bradley in Beech Community near Weaverville. He graduated from North Buncombe High School in 1982 and held an Associate degree in Emergency Medical Science from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Winston-Salem State University and a Master of Public Health degree from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Al devoted his life in service to his community; he was a member of Reems Creek Fire and Rescue from 1979 until 1998, ultimately serving as Rescue Chief. Al worked as a paramedic for Buncombe County EMS from 1984 until 1991, and finally as a flight paramedic and flight nurse for Mountain Area Medical Airlift (MAMA), Mission Hospital’s rescue helicopter until 2006. Al also served as the regional Bioterrorism/Weapons of Mass Destruction Hospital Preparedness and Trauma Coordinator for western North Carolina shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Al was a member of the Reems Creek-Beech Presbyterian Church for over 40 years where he served as Deacon, sang in the Choir, and led Sunday School classes. Recently, Al became a member at North Point Baptist Church in Weaverville. Al loved the Lord Jesus Christ deeply and personally, and often shared the Gospel, using words only when necessary. Al was a member of the Legio Christi Ecclesia Militans, holding the rank of Centurion.

Al also loved teaching and was a certified instructor for the NC Department of Community Colleges and adjunct EMS Instructor at AB Tech. Al also taught courses all over western North Carolina in trauma care, advanced airway management, emergency cardiac care, vehicle extrication, disaster management and high-angle rescue. He was a Nationally Registered EMT-Paramedic, Registered Nurse, Certified Emergency Nurse, Certified Critical Care Nurse and Certified Flight Registered Nurse.

None of these things gave Al as much joy as did his family – Children, Alex, Ian and wife Amber, and Erin; father, Dave Bradley; siblings, Deb, David and wife Jenny; granddaughter Maeve; and his sweetheart Charlene who all survive him. The best memories of Al’s life centered on his kids: beach trips to the Isle of Palms, Christmas Tree shopping, trips to Europe, Florida vacations at the Wagner’s, Key West and “Grandma Babe’s,” and epic cross-country excursions which put even Clark Griswold to shame.

The family will receive friends at West Funeral Home in Weaverville on Friday, August 25, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at North Point Baptist Church, 119 Monticello Rd., Weaverville on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. The Rev. Johnny Byrd will officiate. Interment will be held at Maney Branch Cemetery in the Beech Community at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to North Point Baptist Church.