Josh Lee Bradley, 48, of Strafford, Missouri, passed away on June 26, 2025, after a courageous battle with melanoma.

Josh was born on March 6, 1977, to Terry Bradley and Trish Davis. He grew up in Ava and Strafford, Missouri, and graduated from Ava High School. Known for his big heart, quick wit, and laid-back nature, Josh was the kind of person who made everyone feel at home. He had a way of making people laugh and was always ready with a joke, a helping hand, or a warm plate of barbecue.

He was affectionately known by many as “Big,” “Big Easy,” or “John Deere Josh.” Whether he was camping with family and friends, cheering on the Missouri Tigers, Kansas City Chiefs or St. Louis Cardinals, or at a car show with his dad, Josh embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. But nothing brought him more pride than being a dad. He wholeheartedly supported his daughter Ashtyn in her plays and theater performances. He cherished watching his son Gage play football and baseball. He was always there for his kids, supporting them in every endeavor they pursued. His family was truly the center of his world.

Josh was a devoted husband to his wife, Brandi, with whom he shared 21 wonderful years of marriage. Together they built a life filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. He was a proud and loving father to his children, Ashtyn and Gage—his greatest accomplishments.

Josh is survived by his loving wife, Brandi Bradley; his cherished children, Ashtyn and Gage Bradley; his father, Terry Bradley, and wife, Lorraine Bradley; his stepfather, Bob Davis; his father-in-law, David Cottrill, and wife, Marcie Cottrill; his Uncle Kim Bradley, and his wife Cheri; cousins Matt Bradley (Mindy) and Ashley Hill (Nick); his siblings, Wesley Davis (Britni), Amber Callison (Kris), Jessica Shook (Josh), Kimberly White (Mike), Katy Dampier; his sister-in-law Lindsi Schmoranz (Nathaniel); his nephews and nieces, including Finley, Harper, Grayson, Atticus, Vaeda, Ruby, Ali, Max, Macklin, Maddox, Colton, Kencade, Jazmine, McKenna, and a wide circle of friends and extended family who will deeply miss him.

Josh was preceded in death by his mother, Trish Davis, paternal grandparents, Bill and Margie Bradley; maternal grandparents George and Betty Boring.

Services will be held at Greenlawn East Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 2nd. The visitation will commence at 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Josh’s memory.

Josh’s legacy of kindness, humor, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. “To know him was to love him—and to be loved by him was a gift.”

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” 1Thessalonians 4:13-14 NIV.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7