Earl S. Bradshaw's Obituary
I have decided to write my own obituary. It will be short and as accurate as possible.
My twin brother (Robert Walker) and I were born December 22,1939, in a sawmill, company owned, shotgun house in Avinger, Texas to Lionel and Muriel Bradshaw.
After a short time, we moved to another sawmill in Jefferson, then to Marshall where we lived in several locations until I graduated from Marshall High in 1958.
My work career, in chronological order, began around the age of 10 at a service station on highway 80 in Marshall, dairy farm, car hop, merry-go-round (more on that later) roughneck, automotive parts clerk, and shoe salesman.
During my work at the merry-go-round, I met the cutest young lady I had ever seen. She was twelve years old. I was fifteen at the time.
Three years later on June 7, 1958, we were married in Marshall and from that union, two wonderful sons were given to us. Chris in 1962 and Darin in 1966.
Three months after our marriage, I was transferred to Shreveport, LA. Several months later my work hours were being reduced, so Barbara and I moved to Longview, Texas where I was employed by a local natural gas company. After several years we moved back to Shreveport working for Ark La Gas Co. Later I climbed poles for the local telephone company in Shreveport.
I had been trying to hire on at Texas Eastman in Longview for several years and on August 23, 1965, they called my name, so back to Longview we went.
On January 1, 1997, I retired from Eastman after 31 years, 4 months, and 8 days.
I was preceded in death by my twin brother Robert, both my parents, my sister Patricia and Barbara’s parents Carl and Lillian Tamplin.
I am survived by my wife, 4 days shy of 67 years of marriage, Barbara J. Tamplin Bradshaw of Longview, Chris E Bradshaw (Lynn) of Harleton, Darin S. Bradshaw (Renee) of Longview. Four Grandchildren, Garrett Bradshaw (Kim) of Longview, Tawny Bradshaw of Harleton, Sarah Shelton (Nic) of Hallsville, and Mason Bradshaw of Dallas. Two great grandchildren, Lilith Bradshaw and Victor Bradshaw of Longview. I am also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews.
My military career spanned eight years, with fourteen months active U.S. Army and six years, 8 months Army National Guard.
I have requested that three songs be played today.
First: “Grand Pa, Tell me bout the good old days.” By the Judds for my grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Second: “Daddy’s Hands: by Holly Dunn for my sons.
Third: “My Woman, My Woman, My Wife” by Marty Robbins for my wife.
My favorite Bible Verse is John 11:35.
On my headstone, I would like the words “Gone to be with a Friend” written.
In closing, you may have noticed no accomplishments achieved by me. That’s because every good that happened in my life was a gift from God and nothing I earned or deserved.
As for the bad things in this journey we call life, I blame no one but myself, if and for, the hurt I caused along the way, please forgive.
Well, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I love you.
What’s your fondest memory of Earl?
What’s a lesson you learned from Earl?
Share a story where Earl's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Earl you’ll never forget.
How did Earl make you smile?
