William S. Bradley

William S. Bradley Jr., son of the late William S. Bradley, Sr. and Alma B. Stiggs, was born on September 11, 1926 in New Orleans La. He spent most of his childhood listening to grown-ups talk about God, family, social injustice, music, and sports, and these became his hallmarks in life. His favorite things to do as a child were to read, and explore his world, hoping to one-day make it a better place. He received his education at McDonogh 35 high school in New Orleans, and he also studied business at the YMCA. He served in the United States Army beginning in 1942, rising to Corporal at the time of his discharge in 1949.He met the former Martha Hughes in 1945 and theirs became a lifelong love story. They married in 1951, and those who knew them knew a close couple, always committed to each other. They raised two sons, living in New Orleans, Washington, DC and finally Columbia, Maryland, and shared a rich and lively partnership that included sports, family, friends, and church service. When he departed this life on July 11, 2003. Mrs. Bradley was at his side, as she had been in life.Mr5. Bradley’s long career in civil rights and social justice started after he became a clerk for the U.S. Postal Service. Soon after, he was elected Compliance and Welfare Director for the National Association of Postal and Federal Employees (NAPFE). He traveled extensively to secure benefits and eliminate discrimination against black mail clerks. Prevailing employment policies also had excluded blacks from jobs and Mr. Bradley worked on initiatives to open doors to all eligible persons regardless of race. During his time there, the Alliance successfully brought suit on behalf of its members, and secured remedies including improved hiring policies and back pay.Extensive work with NAPFE precipitated his move to Washington, DC upon being appointed Presidential Aide to NAPFE President, Ashby Smith. After President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Mr. Bradley joined the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), to enforce Title VII prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Initially, he worked at headquarters as investigator. Mr. Bradley soon was on the leadership team that opened the Baltimore District office, and he became its first Deputy Director. The office worked to end discriminatory practices that prevented minorities from obtaining jobs and promotions. He successfully worked to eliminate biased pre-employment testing practices that kept minorities out of jobs, as well as retaliation against those who complained. Mr. Bradley was promoted to Area Director, Washington Office. After a vigorous career of advancing justice for all people regardless of race, and after receiving numerous awards and commendations, Mr. Bradley retired in 1986.The employees at EEOC remember Mr. Bradley as an excellent, no nonsense manager who was always available to those who needed his guidance. The employees loved and respected him and saw him as a father figure as well as a strong and guiding manager. At his retirement, many who were fortunate enough to have worked with him expressed gratitude to him for his influence on their lives and many credited him with their successful career paths.His expertise, personality and savvy could have made him a fortune, but his generosity and modesty prevented it. He willingly and freely gave of his time, counsel, and possessions to those who needed it. He made time for people who were sick, down on their luck, or just needed to talk to someone. He learned the art of cooking and his specialty was a Louisiana menu using fine, fresh and sometimes “secret”ingredients. He insisted on cutting and chopping ingredients by hand, and refused “helpers”Who offered to save time in his kitchen. It was not unusual to find a pot of red beans simmering on his stove while blues, jazz or his beloved Redskins could be heard in the background.For 35 years, Mr. Bradley was a member of United Church of Christ, and also served on its Board of Trustees. He was a member of the Masons Star of Bethlehem Lodge 168. Club 55 Bowlers, and the Pigskins, a football club.He is survived by his dearest love, his wife for 51 years Martha H. Bradley. He was the father of William S. Bradley III, and the late Isaac Courtney. He is also survived by grandchildren Kimberly Bradley, Melvina Courtney, Marhtia Courtney, William Peters, Heather Bradley, Alexandra Bradley, Samantha Bradley, Phillip Guine; daughters-in-law, Willie Bradley and Rosa Courtney, brother-in-law, Charles Hughes, seven great grandchildren and a host of relatives friends and admirers.

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William S. Bradley

September 11, 1926 - July 11, 2003