Luther Albert Bradley, Jr., 85, Orange

Luther Albert Bradley, Jr., 85, of Orange, Texas, passed away on June 23, 2023, at his home.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Alsatia, Louisiana, on July 27, 1937, he was the son of Luther Albert Bradley, Sr. and Floy Mae (Street) Bradley. Luther Albert, or Junior, as many called him, lived a full life. He leaves us with many memories and entertaining stories of growing up in the 40s and 50s. In 1955, he earned the title of Golden Globe Boxing Champion in the Welterweight Division. Luther then served as a paratrooper in the Army, where he was also an undefeated boxer for his unit.

Once he returned home, he married his sweetheart, and soon began coaching BCLL baseball, as well as football, before he even had his own children playing. He mentored many athletes over a 20-year span, who in turn, gave back to their community because of the positive example he had provided.

Of course, he then spent his post-coaching days cheering on his grandkids in every activity they participated in. He loved being at the hunting lease with his family, especially his grandkids. Many memories were centered around appreciating nature and spending quality time with loved ones.

Luther also took pride in the fact that he was able to help build Old First Orange Baptist Church's Fellowship Hall. Most importantly, he spent the last 64 years cherishing the love of his life, Jo Ann. He will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Luther Albert Bradley, Sr. and Floy Mae (Street) Bradley.

He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Godeaux Bradley; daughter, Janet Bradley Peevey and husband, William; sons, Luther Wayne Bradley and wife, Sam, and Steven Kyle Bradley and wife, Christy; grandsons, William Eric Peevey and wife, Amy, Joseph Bradley Peevey and wife, Ashlee, Zachery Shane Peevey and wife, Marissa, Justin Wayne Bradley and wife, Abigail, Justin Ray Henry, and Blake Allen Bradley; granddaughters, Marlee Nicole Bradley and Kylie Olene Bradley; great-grandchildren, Will, Greyson, Rhett, Bodee, Rylie, Emmi Jo, and Ivie; brother, Charles Leon Bradley and family; sister, Lenora Sue Quinn and family; as well as numerous other loving family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be William Eric Peevey, Joseph Bradley Peevey, Zachery Shane Peevey, Justin Wayne Bradley, Blake Allen Bradley, and Justin Ray Henry.