Vernon William Bradley

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Vernon W. Bradley, 78, passed away on April 26, 2026, in Phoenix, AZ leaving behind a legacy of adventure, laughter, generosity, and unwavering love for his family.

Vernon was preceded in death by his mother Ola Mae Bradley, his father Warren E. Bradley, his brother Glen Bradley, and his sons Marvin Williams, Malcolm Turner, his daughter Vernattia A. Bradley, granddaughter Jaliyah McConico, and grandsons Robert A Horne Jr, Jamarr Coleman.

Vernon spent his childhood and early teen years in Phoenix attending several local schools throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, including Booker T. Washington Elementary, H.W. Longfellow, Thomas Edison Elementary, and Phoenix Union High School. During a period living in Michigan, he also attended Emerson in Flint, continuing to build the strong work ethic that would define his life.

As a young man, he began his career as a skilled auto worker with Buick Motors/General Motors in Flint, Michigan, where he also proudly held membership with the UAW Locals during the 1960s. His dedication, reliability, and craftsmanship earned him deep respect among his coworkers.

Vernon later followed his entrepreneurial spirit and opened his own business, operating two well‑known clubs—The Players Choice and The Jaguar Club. In those years, he became known as the man who would help anyone. Whether you needed advice, a job, a meal, or simply someone to listen, Vernon was there. His clubs weren’t just businesses; they were community hubs filled with music, friendship, and the kind of stories that live on long after the doors close.

 Vernon spent 14 years working as a Sky Cap at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, a job he truly enjoyed. He greeted travelers with his signature humor and kindness, often turning a stressful travel day into a lighter one. His final professional chapter was with The Arizona Republic, where he worked in the mail room until his retirement. Even there, he brought joy, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie to everyone around him.

He is survived by his devoted sister Janice Braggs, and by his loving partner of 40 years, Nellie “City” Lewis, with whom he shared a deep and enduring bond.

Vernon was a proud father to: Robert Horne, Tonjua Bradley, Sonja Bradley, and Stephanie Bradley.  

His grandchildren—Terrence Williams, Donald Williams, Christina Horne, Robert Horne Jr., Lakisha Horne, Nakisha Harrison, Howard Harrison, Tamekia Harrison, Jazmine Turner, Austin Turner, Donald Richardson, Dezsha Tracey, DeAnthony Bradley, John Bradley, Janae Coleman, Jonia Coleman, Jakia Coleman, Tiannia Ferguson, Jhamaud Bradley, Joya Bradley, Jayla Bradley, Amaya Bradley, Miesha House, Ronald “RJ” House Jr, and Desha House—and great-grand, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends who will forever cherish his stories, his laughter, and the countless ways he made life brighter.

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