Aaron Paul "Bill" Bradley, Jr.

Aaron Paul "Bill" Bradley, Jr., born on December 16, 1958, in Gaston County, North Carolina, peacefully departed from this world on February 10, 2026, at CaroMont Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Bill lived a life dedicated to service, retiring after over 38 years at Public Service, where he made countless contributions to the community he loved.

Known affectionately as "Bill," he was a man whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many. He was the devoted husband of Melinda Coletta Bradley, with whom he shared over 42 beautiful years of marriage. Their bond was a testament to love, laughter, and unwavering support, and together they raised two wonderful sons, Aaron "AP" Bradley (Allison) and William "Will" Bradley (Anna) . Bill took immense pride in his family, cherishing the moments spent with his sons and later delighting in the joy that his granddaughter, Arya Bradley, brought into his life.

Bill had many hobbies and special interests. He loved working in his yard, cutting grass and planting flowers for his wife. Bill was exceptionally handy. He could fix anything that needed repair and especially loved tools, working on cars, and making projects out of wood. He had an affinity for cars and particularly loved old Ford trucks and Corvettes. Bill was also a photographer and enjoyed taking pictures on his travels and at family holidays and events. Bill loved traveling with his wife and his family, visiting many places across the US and the Carolinas, and his happiest place was making sandcastles on the beach with his granddaughter. Most of all, Bill cherished and valued time spent with his wife and his family.

He leaves behind a loving family that includes his wife Melinda Coletta Bradley, sons, Aaron Paul "AP" Bradley III, who is married to Allison, and William "Will" Bradley, married to Anna and their daughter Arya. Additionally, he is survived by his dear sister, Sharon Green, brother Don Waters and wife Beverly as well as his father and mother-in-law, Louis and Becky Coletta, and brother-in-law Tony Coletta and wife Nikki. Bill was also blessed with numerous nieces and nephews and was fortunate to have many wonderful friends who held him dear.

Bill's legacy is further enriched by the memories of those who preceded him in death, including his parents, Aaron Paul Bradley Sr. and Dorothy Johnson Bradley, his brother, Earl Wayne "Strawberry" Bradley, and his sister, Paula B. Hopkins. Each of them played a significant role in shaping the man he became, and he will be remembered fondly for his laughter, kindness, and spirit.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Bill's honor on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home, in Gastonia, NC, with Pastor Cameron Bryson officiating; Visitation will follow the service. All who knew him and loved him are invited to gather to share their stories, celebrate his life, and carry forward the light that he shone upon them.

As we remember Bill, let us carry forth his legacy of love and service, his joy in family, and his passion for life. May we plant seeds of kindness, just as he did, and continue to cultivate beautiful memories in our hearts as he would have wanted. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Memorials may be made to, Cancer Services of Gaston County, 306 South Columbia Street, Gastonia, NC 28054

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com