Chester Eaves Bradley Jr.

Chester was born on October 24, 1930 in St Louis, Missouri, the only son of Thelma and Chester E, Bradley, Sr. A graduate of Highland Park High School and the University of Texas, Austin, where he majored in transportation, Chester began his career at Great Southwest Corporation. During this time he met his future wife, Mary, and fathered two sons, William Texas and Luke Ernest Bradley. He also spent time in the National Guard Reserves, where he regularly jumped out of airplanes. Returning to the ground, he joined Allied Van Lines as General Manager, and eventually served as President of North American Van Lines. Finally, he served as Chairman and President of medical electronics firm, Electronic Monitors, and had been “retired” since 1990 in order to do the things he loved most—officiating track and field events.

Privileged to have run for Clyde Littlefield at UT, Chester had returned to his alma mater every April for 60 years as a Texas Relays official, as well as working the Texas UIL State Championships for the past 20+ years. Recipient of numerous track and field official awards, in 2008 Chester was inducted into the USA Track & Field Association Hall of Fame; in January of this year, he received that same honor from the Texas Track and Field Coaches Hall of Fame. However, he likely considered his proudest accomplishment as having been chosen as a track official for both the 1984 Los Angeles and 1996 Atlanta US Olympics.

Chester also shared his business acumen with Highland Park United Methodist Church, where he faithfully served in layman and leadership roles.

Chester is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Mary, and his son, Luke; grandchildren Austin, Jake, and Leah Bradley and their mother, Baronda; brother-in-law Allen Fitzpatrick; cousins Mary, Vic, and Karen Sheldon, Lissa and Stan Kullbom, John and Heddy Ward, and Vanessa and & Tom Vyles; and many wonderful friends, both old and new.

A celebration of his life and spirit will be held Thursday, August 14, 1:30p, Highland Park United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your favorite charity.