December 13, 1946 ~ March 3, 2026 (age 79)
Johnny Leon Bradberry, age 79, died March 3, 2026, at Wesley Oaks Memory Care, Sulphur Springs, Texas.
John was born December 13, 1946, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, to Johnny Bailey and Bettie Lou McCauley Bradberry. He was the youngest of two children and is survived by his sister, Alta Lou Cordell of Enchanted Oaks, Texas. He graduated from Sulphur Springs High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree from East Texas State University, Commerce, Texas, in Business Administration and Industrial Education.
John’s military service in the U.S. Naval Air Reserve was cut short due to hearing loss. He tried several jobs in early years before settling into a long and devoted career with Grocery Supply in Sulphur Springs. He made lifelong friends there and retired in 2022 after 50 years of service.
The greatest joy for John from an early age was flying. He took his first plane ride in the second grade in a two-place, tandem-seat taildragger. He co-owned his first aircraft at the age of 17. His favorite aircraft were his Luscombe T-8F Observer, a Piper PA-12 Pacer, and his beloved Aeronca 7AC Champion. He was profoundly interested in the Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport from an early age. He was involved in projects, publicity, and aviation events and was an active member of EAA Chapter 1094. The airport beacon held a special fascination for John. At five years old, he would beg his father to take him to the airport so he could see it up close. In later years, he was involved with its maintenance, restoration, and recognition. John kept notebooks of beautifully preserved history of the airport. These have been donated to the airport at his passing.
Local history was also of interest to him. He kept records of events and changes and was knowledgeable about his town. He sent emails to many friends alerting them to events in Sulphur Springs and surrounds and encouraged participation. He was a member of the Hopkings County Genealogical Society for many years. He rarely missed a history walk given by John Sellers. He enjoyed exploring cemeteries and attended many cemetery tours. His research on his own family has provided a wealth of information on their ancestry. John was a member of the First Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs. He was a quiet, honest, thoughtful, and humble man with an adventurous streak and a dry sense of humor.
John is survived by Cynthia Loftis who he met on New Year’s Eve 1998 at the home of their dear friend, B.F. Hicks. She was his love and companion until his death. He is also survived by his nieces: Debbie French and family, Mabank, Texas; Pam Foster and husband, Steve and family, Mabank, Texas; and nephew, Michael Cordell, Dallas, Texas. He is survived by cousin, Fred McCauley, wife Roberta and family, Cynthia’s family and many other relatives and friends.
Heartfelt appreciation goes to many who gave love and support during John’s battle with Alzheimer’s: Cynthia’s sisters, Debby Helton and husband, Wayne and Kathy Riley and husband, Jay; Fred McCauley and wife, Roberta; B.F. Hicks; Pat Wright; Latisha Campbell; Ray and Linda Johnson; Tammi Reardon and the AD Support Group at First United Methodist Church, Sulphur Springs; Chapter AB PEO Sisterhood; Visiting Angels; Wesley Oaks Memory Care; Choice Hospice; Dr. Sunil Thummala and staff; and Dr. James Gulde and staff.
John’s memorial marker will be placed in the Bradberry Family plot in the Sulphur Springs City Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.
