John confessed Christ at an early age and joined St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Baconton, Ga., where he served many years as a deacon. In June 2010, John was renewed in the spirit and rededicated his life to Christ. He joined the St. Peter A.M.E. Church from his bedside at Bainbridge Health Care in Bainbridge, Ga.

Educated in the public schools in Mitchell County, John furthered his education at Georgia State College (now Savannah State University) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts Education. During his collegiate years, he joined the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

After completing his education, John worked as a brick mason in many cities and states in the southeast United States. He was considered one of the best brick masons in the business and evidence of his talent and craft can be seen in numerous homes, businesses, governmental buildings, schools and churches throughout this region. In later life, he pursued his passion for farming and worked on the family farm for many years.

John's life became complete when he was united in Holy Matrimony to Marvene Gwendolyn Jenkins on June 26, 1955. This union was blessed with six beautiful and loving children.

Affectionately known as the Georgia Giant, John loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest. He was a family man ... a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, mentor and, most importantly, a friend to all. He never met a stranger. He was a historian and loved sharing various accounts of his family's history and his work experiences. He also enjoyed sharing the histories of other families in and around Mitchell County. He always had a story to tell, and family and friends who visited with him always knew to plan for a long stay because he loved to talk. He encouraged all who crossed his path to be the best person they could be. In addition to his parents, a brother and sister-in-law, Gartrell L. and Ruby H. Bradley; and a sister, Doryce L. Bradley, preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish his memories, a devoted and loving wife of 55 years, Marvene Jenkins Bradley; a son, John Michael Bradley of Camilla, Ga; five daughters, Joan M. Bradley of Lithonia, Ga.; Edythe Yvonne Bradley; Jennifer Bradley Jackson; Donna Bradley Johnson and Karen Bradley Murray, all of Camilla, Ga,; three sons-in-law, Bruce Johnson, William Murray and Stacey Jackson; a special niece, Johnetta M. Bradley; 11 grandchildren, John Michael II, Briani Alicia-Jean and Cecilia Dawn Bradley; Morgan Chelsea Dunlap; JaMarcus Hopkins; Bradleigh Bena and Jackson Allen Johnson; and Karsen Alyse, Kamille Addysen, William Kaden and Kassidy Adalyn Murray; and three great-grandchildren, Aneriah Johnae Burden, Jeralyn Ionna Simpson and Jerran Braden Bradley. He also leaves a sister, Ruth Bradley Solomon and her husband, Frank; a brother, Oakie Dawsey; and a brother- and sister-in-law, Timothy Earl and Lure Maxine Jenkins. His life will be remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended members of the Bradley, Reddick, Dawson, Fuller, Jackson, Fowler, Smith, Jenkins and Catchings families, and countless friends .