Robert Beverly Bradner

Born in High Point, NC to Beverly and Henrietta Bradner. He is survived by: Bryan (son) & Mia Bradner; Matt (son) & Julia Bradner; grandchildren Isaiah (19), Tobias Robert (18), Bailey (17), Coleman (16), Maddy (16), Eliana (14), Brooks (13), Jacob (11), Blakely (11), and Benson (9). Bob also leaves behind his dearly loved companion Kathy Sparkman and her family; Brent, Blake, and Logan Sparkman and Ben, Melissa, Bryson, Sarah Katherine, and Ansley Bakas. Mark & Kelly Dymock (niece); Bobby (nephew) & Shelly Workman; and four cousins, Bill, Randy, Bonnie & Joy.

Bob was preceded in death by Becky (sister) and Gary Workman.

Bob attended High Point Central High School where he was a three-sport letterman, Civitan club President, and was honored as DeMolay of the Year his Senior year for success in and out of the classroom. After High School Bob attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and graduated with a Business degree in 1968. Even though Bob left Chapel Hill following graduation, his heart never did. Bob remained a passionate UNC Tar Heel fan and has successfully passed that love onto the next generation of Bradners. After college, Bob spent a year working as a medic in the US Army and remained on reserve duty for the next five years.

Bob moved to Florida in 1972 and began working for the State of Florida’s Department of Labor and Unemployment Compensation. Bob’s hard work and dedication quickly resulted in a promotion which moved him to Tallahassee where he would reside for the next 48 years. Bob’s desire to learn and expand his professional opportunities resulted in his obtaining a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Florida State University. He had a successful working career with the State and after 30+ years he retired as Bureau Chief with the Department of Labor and Unemployment Compensation. In perfect Bob-like fashion, he followed up his retirement by kickstarting a successful second career as a business and leadership consultant.

Bob was a true family man. Amid so many educational and professional accomplishments, it was clear that his family was what brought him the greatest joy and satisfaction. As a single father, Bob had a seemingly unending supply of love, sacrifice, and dedication to raise his boys. He gave them roots…and then gave them wings. As Bob’s life progressed, his vision and dedication to his family legacy continued to expand. He was always thinking about creating spaces to gather with his loved ones as demonstrated by building “Bradner Blue Heaven”; the family mountain house.

Countless people knew Bob as “Coach”. Bob first began coaching soccer in the early 80’s to spend time with his boys. As was the case in everything he did, Bob succeeded greatly as a coach. Bob touched the lives of countless players and parents over the years. He loved to reminisce about his coaching days and would regularly ask how former players were doing. Some of Bob’s favorite soccer accomplishments were winning the 1995 Florida State Championship with North FC, serving as President of the Florida Youth Soccer Association, and spending decades on the sidelines of Lincoln High School as an assistant coach. After his boys finished their playing days, Bob founded College Soccer News, which became a nationally recognized online news source for Men’s and Women’s soccer. Bob continued to serve as the lead editor for College Soccer News until his passing.

Robert Bradner was a man of love. He loved the Lord deeply and regularly spoke about how God carried him through every season of life; both the good and bad. He loved the outdoors and being near water; God’s creation was his happy place. Bob loved to be with his companion Kathy and travel with her to the lake, beach, and mountains. He loved all his dogs over the years, including his most recent furry friend, River. Bob had a great sense of humor and loved to make his grandchildren laugh by creating moments that brought them joy. He loved to learn, to read, and was always adding things to his bucket list. Bob knew that God gave him wisdom and loved to write and talk about the lessons he had learned in his 77 years. Even though he has passed, his words and memory live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him so dearly. Dad, you always taught us that “these are great days”. They were indeed…and they will continue to be. TAR…

A service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held on April 13, at 10:00 am at Faith Presbyterian Church / 2200 North Meridian Road, Tallahassee FL. The service will be followed by a reception in the fellowship hall to greet family and offer any words of remembrance.