Howard Evans Bradshaw, 80, of Elizabethton, passed away at home, with his daughter at his side, on Monday, March 30, 2015.
He was the eldest son of the late Samuel Jackson and Gladys Marie Bradshaw. He was the grandson of the late Minnie Martin and he loved her dearly.
In addition to his parents and grandmother, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Virgie Keplinger Bradshaw, and his close friend and brother-in-law, Shelby Williams.
Knowing they will see him again are his daughter, Therese Bradshaw; his sisters, Doris Lovelace, Linda Williams and Barbara “Bobbie” Bradshaw; and his brother, Cecil Darold “Nick” Bradshaw. His father Jack once said that the one thing he was proudest most of was that his children loved one another. Their sense of love is strong and shows throughout the family.
He was “Uncle Smokey” to his namesake, the late Cecil Howard Bradshaw, and to three nephews and three nieces and their families, all of whom loved him tremendously and he loved as his own.
A special little buddy, Nicholas Daniel Bradshaw, brought love, light and laughter into his life with every visit.
He had friends from all walks of life that he treasured. To name them all would be a feat. Just know that he loved each of you unconditionally and the mark you made on his life is immeasurable.
He was a proud retiree of NFS where he made many of the good friends that he enjoyed throughout his life.
He loved the mountains and rivers and spent much of his time hunting and fishing. He loved baseball and football. He loved his gardens, found pleasure in watching them grow and sharing the harvest.
The family would like to express true appreciation to Don Tittle, Ronnie Keplinger and Mike Nelson, three of his closest friends whose companionship and support meant the world to him.
To honor his spoken wishes, there will be a private memorial for his family. A celebration of life will be held for friends by the family at a later date in the Cat Island Park.
There is new life in the soil for every man. There is healing in the trees for tired minds and for overburdened spirits there is strength in the hills, if only we will lift up our eyes. Remember that nature is your great restorer. — Calvin Coolidge.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net.
These arrangements were made especially for the family and friends of Howard Evans Bradshaw through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Avenue, Erwin, (423) 743-9187.