Paul Ronald Bradley

October 27, 1938 - November 4, 2011

Paul Ronald Bradley passed away on November 4, 2011 after a long battle with numerous medical issues at the age of 73. Paul was born in Port Arthur, Texas on October 27, 1938. He was a 1956 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. Paul received an Honorable Discharge from the Army of the United States in 1965. After working as a carpenter for many years, Paul ultimately joined his father, Paul, as a co-owner of Bradley's Automotive and Industrial Supply located on 25th street in Port Arthur. Two Paul's under one roof was confusing, so Paul Ronald was known as Ronnie and his father was known as Paul. You could always estimate how long someone knew Paul Ronald by whether they called him Ronnie or Paul. Anytime you heard Ronnie, you knew that was a long time friend. Following the sale of Bradley's Auto, Paul operated a craft business where he made numerous stained glass windows and other crafts. In 1982, Paul started P & L Alternator and Starter Service which he operated until his retirement in 2008. P & L provided alternator, starter, and generator service to the industrial and marine industries for over 25 years. Paul was an automotive mechanic by trade, but there was nothing he could not do, build, or repair. Whether it was carpentry, plumbing, electrical or mechanical, he was accomplished at all of these trades and leaves behind many of his creations and accomplishments including handmade dressers, tables, benches, and numerous stained glass pieces. Paul was well respected in the community. He was "old school". His word was his bond and he conducted his business on a handshake. If he said he was going to do something, it was done. He expected the same of others. He was honest and trusting and found it difficult to understand when others were not. Paul had a great wit about him and a great sense of humor. Laughing and joke telling was the norm for the daily coffee drinkers that showed up at P & L Alternator. Paul enjoyed cooking and fishing but without a doubt, his passion was deer hunting. Most things he did throughout the year were somehow geared toward being "deer ready" on the first weekend of November. Whether he was building a 2 bedroom 1 bath deer stand or making sure his 1946 Willis Jeep was equipped and running, deer hunting was always a huge part of Paul's life. How fitting he arrived in Heaven on opening weekend. Paul was a member of Port Arthur Cosmopolitan Lodge #872. He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul E. Bradley and Annie Rae Bradley, and his son-in-law, Jay W. Reagan. He is survived by his sister, Sheryl Strabel and her husband Tim of San Antonio; son James Burnett and his wife Natasha, granddaughters Jamie Burnett of Houston and Kendra Burnett Flores of Dallas; daughter Janean Reagan, and grandson Justin Reagan of Pearland; and son Lance Bradley and his wife Tina, and grandchildren Kendal and Kaden Bradley of Port Neches; and last but not least, his 2 boysRascal and Molder, 2 of the "healthiest" dachshunds to ever exist. His survivors include four great grandchildren and many friends and neighbors. The family would like to express their great appreciation to caregivers Elsie Martens and Dwon Lee for the love and care they provided to Paul. There is no doubt the last years of Paul's life were as good as they could be thanks to these two people that were always there when they were needed. The Holiday season is around the corner and there are many people in our community in need of assistance. In lieu of flowers and plants, the family requests memorials be made to a local charity of your choice in honor of Paul.