Obituary of Dooley V. Bradley

Dooley Vargas Bradley died on December 20, 2022 in Nashville TN. He was only 58 years old. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death.  Dooley was born September 11, 1964, to Dr. David V. Bradley, Sr. and Lois M. (Hardy) Bradley in Nashville.  He attended St. Bernard Non-graded Academy from Kindergarten through 4^th grade, Jordonia Elementary School, for 5^th and 6^th grade, and Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon TN, from 7^th through 12^th grade.  Dooley had the honor and distinction of being the first, and only, African-American Battalion Commander at Castle Heights Military Academy when he graduated in 1982.  He began his undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee at Martin and then transferred to Austin Peay State University in Clarksville TN, completing degrees in Business and Marketing, in 1988.  He was a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

From the time that Dooley was six years old, he wanted to be out working, taking his red wagon through the neighborhood and working odd jobs and learning what it takes to be an entrepreneur.  During his 13-year career with Bridgestone Tires, Dooley began a lawn care service for residential homes, which grew quickly into his main career, with a host of residential and business clients, doing lawn care, landscaping, tree trimming and removal.  He branched out into demolition and preparation of sites for construction, with a dumpster service.  Despite suffering a stroke in 2013, he remained committed to the businesses that he created and ran for over 30 years.  Dooley believed in the adage, “work hard, play hard” and anyone who spent time with him knew of his love of good food, good conversation, and gatherings with people for a good time.  His quick wit, zest for life and infectious laugh helped him to make friends wherever he went.   

Dooley is survived and missed by his son, Phillip Dooley Bradley (wife Chantaneigha, mother Carol King) of Joelton TN, longtime companion, Ms. Janda Vaughn of Nashville TN, and his sister, Dr. Dolores Bradley Brennan (husband James, daughters Sydney and Alex) of Atlanta GA. He is remembered lovingly by his uncle, Lt. Col. (Ret) George Hardy, as well as many cousins, who easily consider him their favorite cousin.  Dooley was preceded in death by his father, David Sr, mother Lois, brother David Jr, and sister Della Bradley Rowser.