Thomas “Tom” Michael Bradley, a dedicated police officer, devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, caring brother, fatherly uncle, loyal friend, and Pop-pop, left us on September 10, 2024. He passed away peacefully at home with his family, leaving behind a legacy of honor, courage, unwavering integrity, and devotion to selfless service.
Tom was born on October 10, 1957 in Tokyo, Japan. He was adopted by his parents, Thomas and Francis Bradley at the age of 8 months old. As a military child, Tom was blessed to have lived several years in Germany growing up. Germany always held a special place in his heart. When Tom was 12, he welcomed his baby sister, Samantha, who he loved and protected.
Tom attended Oxford High School and became a corrections officer in 1979, where he went on to become a police officer at the City of Anniston in 1980. Tom later graduated in 1989 with a Bachelors in Forensic Science from Jacksonville State University. It was around this time that he assumed a position at the City of Gadsden and later serving as the Bomb Squad Commander where he stayed until 2014. Since 2014, Tom was employed as an officer at Oxford Police Department, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant. Tom served his community faithfully for 45 years. He embraced his role with unwavering dedication, going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety and well-being of his fellow citizens. He faced countless challenges and dangerous situations with bravery and composure, earning the respect and admiration of his brother and sisters in arms and the community he served.
Tom was extremely dedicated to law enforcement and completed over 250 training courses, including forensic training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, certification with the FBI Hazardous Devices School, as well as several Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives training classes at the National Center for Explosives Training and Research. Tom was very proud of his many “Top Shooter” awards and loved to train younger officers.
Beyond his professional passion, Tom loved to be a student of the world and was an excellent listener and learner. He enjoyed reading about and discussing true crime with anyone who was interested. He loved to relax at home with his wife of 22 years, Dana, and their dogs Hazel and Greyson. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2023, Tom was able to spend more time at home and was blessed to be able to spend time with his granddaughters.
Tom is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Bradley and son, Taylor Grubb, and is survived by his mother, Francis “Gano” Bradley; loving wife, Dana Bradley; sister, Samantha Harris (Anthony); son, Jonathan Hathaway (Kelsey); and four beautiful granddaughters, Emma, Lexi, Lauren and Taylor; as well as several beloved nieces and nephews and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Visitation with friends and family to honor Tom’s life will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 on Friday, September 27, 2024 at the Reception Hall of The Church of the Resurrection, 113 Brown Ave., Rainbow City, AL. A memorial service will be held at 2:00, with procession and graveside service to follow at Forestlawn Gardens, 730 Golden Springs Rd, Anniston, AL. Honorary Pallbearers will be Bill Partridge, Chip Owen, Lane Keener, Keith Stancil, Jake Durham, Bobby Boozer, Mitchell James, David Austin and Steve Holcomb.
The family would like to especially thank Dr. Bart Rose, Surgical Oncologist, and Tom’s entire oncology care team at UAB along with hospice care Megan R., Megan D., Kelsey, Sommer, and Mason.
