NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Martin B. Bradley, a former recording secretary of the Southern Baptist Convention, died Aug. 26 from cancer. He was 75.
For 38 years, Bradley worked for the Baptist Sunday School Board, now LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. When he retired in 1992, Bradley was manager of research services and long range planning.
LifeWay President James T. Draper Jr. said, “Martin worked here at LifeWay for many years and was a valued employee, as well as being a tremendous influence across the Southern Baptist Convention during his time as SBC recording secretary. When I came here, Martin’s office was next door to mine, so I was able to come to know him and deeply value his friendship. My condolences go out to Ruth and the rest of his family.”
Harold Bennett, SBC Executive Committee president and treasurer from 1979-92, said Bradley will be missed “not only by his family but also by friends across this nation.”
Bennett described Bradley as “a man of integrity and strong commitment. Martin was highly skilled and a detailed person. His strong commitment was to have everything as perfect as possible. A testimony to his years of service can be found in the SBC Annuals in the section titled ‘Proceedings.'” Bennett added that Bradley was assisted in his work as SBC recording secretary by his wife, Ruth, “who was equally skilled and committed.”
Bennett recounted “working diligently” with Bradley to develop a practice of giving a clear title to each motion made during SBC annual meetings.
As an SBC officeholder, Bradley was a member of the Executive Committee, whose participation “was marked by wise observations and detailed thinking,” Bennett said.
A native of Kansas City, Mo., Bradley was a graduate of the University of Missouri and a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Surviving him are his wife of 50 years, Ruth; two sons, Kerry and Russ; a daughter, Martia DeMore, eight grandchildren; and five sisters.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, Aug. 29 at First Baptist Church Nashville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Nashville Mission Fund.
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(BP) photo posted in the BP Photo Library at http://www.bpnews.net. Photo title: MARTIN B. BRADLEY.
