Thursday, October 12, 2017 8:32 am

Grover Henry Bradley passed away on October 2, 2017.

Grover was born in Forest City on October 4, 1924, the son of Fred and Lillie Lytle Bradley. He was a 1942 graduate of Cool Springs High School, and with the exception of military service lived in and around Forest City his entire life. He was predeceased by his parents, by his wife and high school sweetheart Hix Allison Bradley, and by his sister Dot Bradley Thorp Little. He is survived by his sister Sue Bradley Hardin of Bostic, his daughter Marianne Bradley of Decatur GA, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Shortly after his high school graduation, Grover was drafted into the US Army Air Corp, where he served in the 315th Bomb Wing as a bombardier on a B-29 flying missions over Japan from their base on Guam. He participated in the last mission of World War II, receiving news of the Japanese surrender while still in the air after the mission. He kept in touch with his Air Corps friends, and was a regular and enthusiastic participant in 315th Bomb Wing reunions until his health prevented him from attending.

After the war, Grover returned to Forest City. He joined his father in the automobile business, and for more than 40 years owned and managed the local Chrysler Plymouth dealership. He continued his military service in the National Guard, serving as commander of the local unit for 14 years. He served on the Board of Trustees of Rutherford Hospital for 22 years and on the Board of Trustees of Isothermal Community College Foundation for 17 years. He was elected for 4 terms as mayor of Forest City, serving from 1995 until 2003, having served 4 years previously on the town council. He was very active in the First Presbyterian Church of Forest City, serving as elder and trustee.

Grover loved the outdoors, and enjoyed the camaraderie of hunting and fishing with friends. He was a founding member of the Old Hickory Rifle & Gun Club. For more than 50 years, from 1957 through 2010, he made more than 30 trips to Alaska and the Yukon Territory of Canada, making many friends along the way. He loved to introduce friends to his beloved "North Country" and to share his experiences and memorabilia with friends and especially with students around the area.

The family would like to express its gratitude to the staff of Fair Haven Home of Bostic and to the caregivers of Amazing Grace Home Care of WNC, particularly Rena, Theresa, Rita and Donnie who helped care for him in his last days.

A memorial service was held in the First Presbyterian Church of Forest City with the Reverend Tony Spencer officiating. Inurnment followed in the Cool Springs Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 438 West Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043, the Rutherford Hospital Foundation, POB 352, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 or to the charity of one's choice.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.