Audie John Bradley

Mr. Audie John Bradley, age 93, of Hiawassee, passed away on April 18, 2026, following an extended illness. He was born on December 27, 1932, to Troy and Oma Bradley.

Audie was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: William Bradley (Betty), Coy Bradley, Roy Jay Bradley, Judy Martin, and Beatrice and Bernice Bradley.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Frances England Bradley; their two sons, Eddie Bradley of Hiawassee and Scott Bradley (Gwen) of Comer; and his cherished grandchildren, Andrew Bradley (Cissie), Elizabeth Williamson (Dennis), Jeannie Savage (Cody), Josie Cole (Warren), and G.J. Derry (Robert). He also leaves behind his greatgrandchildren, James Audie and Agnes Bradley; Clara and Jewell Williamson; Charleston and Berkley Savage; J.W. Derry; and Rebecca Payne.

Also surviving Audie are his siblings Pete Bradley (Jounida) and LuAnn York; sistersinlaw Carla and Roberta Bradley; brotherinlaw Buddy Martin; and several nieces and nephews.

Audie was a graduate of Southern Technical Institute, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. He spent his entire professional career as a civil engineer with the U.S. Geological Survey. After retiring, Audie and Frances returned to the England family farm in Hiawassee, where he worked tirelessly building fences, planting grasses, baling hay, and tinkering with tractors.

Audie loved the outdoors and especially cherished time spent hunting and fishing with his sons, grandson, and friends and hauling horses with Scott. When he wasn’t outside or working on the farm, he could often be found relaxing in his recliner—reading a book, watching a Braves game, or, on a particularly good day, taking a nap with a grandbaby in his lap. He will be fondly remembered for his contagious smile, quick wit, and his notorious oneliners.

Audie was blessed with a long, full, and meaningful life—one rich in love, laughter, faith, and family. He lived with integrity, worked hard, loved deeply, and found joy in the simple blessings of life. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather, he was a steady presence and a source of strength to those who knew him. While he will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in knowing his life was well lived and that he has been welcomed home by his Lord, where he now rests in peace.

Services will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at BanisterCooper Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Ron Sweat and Rev. Cody Savage will be officiating. Music will be provided by Warren and Josie Cole.

Pallbearers: Andrew Bradley, James Audie Bradley, J.W. Derry, Dennis Williamson, Robert Derry, and Andrew Griffin

Honorary Pallbearer: Ervin Davenport