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We are sad to announce the passing of David (Dave) Morton Bradbury, 52, of Duluth, Georgia on May 29, 2023, from an 18-month battle with Esophageal Cancer.
A graduate of Shippensburg University, Dave retired this summer after 28 years of service as a sergeant with the DeKalb County Police. He devoted his life to making lives better for others. David was a “collector” of people and had an impact on many lives including fellow officers, neighbors, his doctors, and many strangers on the golf course. He had a love for golf, walking his dog, and puttering around in his basement restoring golf clubs and vintage shoes. He could often be found thrifting for cool new stuff to revamp and walking the neighborhood with Lucy while wearing his well-known Christmas tree light-up vest and smoking a Boston butt on his Big Green Egg to share.
Married for almost 27 years, David will be greatly missed by his wife Sara Chinnis Bradbury, son Wilson Richard Bradbury, and beloved dog Lucy, along with his parents, Dr. Richard and Margaret Bradbury, and sisters Elizabeth, Diane, and Michelle.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date with details announced in the future. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to Lucy’s rescue, Jail Dogs. Memorial donations can be mailed to PO Box 667 Dacula, GA 30019, or online at https://www.jaildogs.org/support-us.html. Please make a note that it is in memory of David Bradbury.
Georgia Cremation in Duluth is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ret. Det. E. Stubbs #2320 says
Sgt. B-RAD as I called him was truly one of a kind. Always full of life and always looked out for his fellow officers. Never forget him putting plastic golf balls in the Hallway of IA or wearing some of his “Look what I found at the Goodwill Store” Clothing to work. R.I.P. 🙏
Shane C says
I was fortunate to work with Dave in Major Felony for several years. I never saw a day when he had a negative attitude. He was always upbeat and full of life. Major Felony is one of the most demanding assignments resulting in a large consumption of coffee. Dave can be credited with leading the effort to upgrade the units basic Mr. Coffee maker to a more robust Bunn commercial style coffee maker. Just one of many examples of what made Dave so special. Dave you will be truly missed. It was an honor to know you. Rest easy my friend.
Vinette Goodman says
Dave was such a wonderful human being…a devoted husband and father to Sara & Wilson….Rest in Peace Dave!!
Stephanie F says
Such a sweet man with such an easy, kind, happy personality! He will truly be missed! Condolences 💐 to his family.
Shannon Slade says
David was a fantastic human being and family man. We worked together at DKPD and played many rounds of golf together. Always something funny coming out of his mouth and always kept me smiling. He was the king of Goodwill finds from golf shoes to clubs. I could go on and on but you all know how special a person he was. I pray for the family and Dave will always have a place in my heart.
Corky Yarbro says
What can you say about Dave…funny, quick-witted, golfer, thrifter, humble, generous, caring, honest and a friend. I spent many evenings with Dave working (watching movies) at the CDC and I played golf with him many times – but not nearly enough. He was level headed and provided a fair and balanced side to a discussion – most often he was on the right side. I treasure the memories I have of him and I pray for his family. You will see in the comments before mine and in the comments to come, Dave was a special person that everyone has a fond memory of.
Sabrena says
Dave and I started in the 51st Academy of DKPD. He will always have a very special place in my heart. He was there with love and support during one of the most difficult times of my life and for that I will forever in his debt. I don’t remember ever seeing him without a smile on his face.
Dan Oak says
Taken way to soon, but I know his spirit is strong with family and friends. Going to miss the golf days and envy the finds Dave would somehow stumble upon at Goodwill. Prayers and strength for your family.
Jeremy Stahl says
Dave was a great human. Dave was kind, caring & compassionate. He maintained a positive attitude in almost every situation. I will miss him. My prayers are with you and your family.
Bob S says
Dave was a true friend and I am struggling to find the words to describe this loss to me. I have known him since he was in center precinct uniform division (DKPD) all the way through Major Felony. We shared a great friendship and spent many hours playing golf together over the years and he possessed such a great balance of intelligence, humor and positive attitude always. I will treasure the time I had with him and he will always be considered one of the great persons in my life.
B Lawson says
Many thoughts and prayers of comfort and peace to the family during this season.
Martha Dennis says
I read of how David held a special place in the hearts of almost everyone he met. David really did devote his life to making other people’s lives better. This man dropped everything to help me one night after a car accident. I don’t know what I would have done without him. He called on his resources to come and get me and take me to a safe place, tow my car, and came and got me. Then he and Sara put me up. To this day I tell that story full of praise for this man who dropped everything for me. I cannot imagine how many people have similar stories to tell about David Bradbury. The passing of this generous soul leaves a void in our world. Anyone who had the honor of knowing him is better off for it. My heart goes out to Sara, Wilson, his parents, and Lucy, and the rest of the family. He will always be looking out for you.
C.Okafor says
Mr. Bradbury was a wonderful and positive person. It was a pleasure to meet you, sir. My thoughts,prayers and, strength for your family.
A. H. BRIGHT says
David was a warrior. I knew him from our days in Major Felony prior to moving to the District Attorney’s Office. He was conscientious, diligent, communicated well, and always did his best on some very detailed homicide cases. He was always a pleasure to be around. You are missed, David, by your family and your colleagues. You lived a life well done. Rest easy, my brother.
C. Wallace says
Sending my sincere condolences to the family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers!
Greg Moore says
I first met Sgt. Bradbury in 2001 when he sat in front of me at in-service. I remember during break, he would sit there and read the Gwinnett County paper. I next met up with him when he got promoted to Sgt. and came to South Precinct around 2007 where I was working. Will never forget watching him at the beginning of each shift cleaning out his patrol car. He would take the back seat out every day and wipe out the entire car with sanitary wipes. We worked together again when he came up to SVU in 2020. So many great conversations we had. He made some of the best BBQ pork. He gave me his receipt. I wrote it down in my receipt book titled Bradbury’s Butt. You will never be forgotten.