Greenville, S.C. – Mr. Bradner, a native of Yanceyville, North Carolina, was decorated for meritorious service in WWII in both the European and Pacific Theaters of Operation. A long-time resident of Greensboro, NC and more recently a resident of Greenville, SC, and Atria Merry Wood Senior Living community in Charlotte, he died at Presbyterian Hospital’s Harris Hospice Unit on September 19, 2010 following a brief illness. He was 89. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Anne Evans Bradner of the home; son Charles Barry Bradner and wife Janice Bray Bradner of Charlotte, NC; son Kenneth Lee Bradner and wife, Susan Bruner Bradner of Dunlap, TN; and daughter, Jo Anne Bradner Hennigan and husband James Joseph Hennigan of Clermont-Ferrand, France. He is also survived by six grandchildren, John Joseph Bradner and Matthew Lee Bradner of Atlanta, GA; Elisabeth Anne Bradner of New Orleans, LA; Abigail Lee Bradner of Rock Hill, SC; and Timothy Xavier Hennigan and Marjorie Claire Hennigan of Clermont-Ferrand, France; and a sister, Mabel Bradner Pleasant and her husband, John Pleasant of Yanceyville, NC, and a brother, Dorsey Bradner and his wife Mary of Yanceyville, NC.
Mr. Bradner served in WWII as the radio operator for a three-man team in a group of commando units known as the Jedburghs under the Office of Strategic Services, the predecessor to the Central Intelligence Agency. Team “Anthony” parachuted into eastern France on the night of August 14, 1944 on the eve of the Allied invasion of Southern France. For his efforts in France, Mr. Bradner received honors from the King of England in and also the Croix de Guerre with bronze star from the French government. Mr. Bradner also served with distinction in the Pacific Theater in Burma as well as outside the city of Beijing, receiving the Bronze Star from the U.S. War Department. Mr. Bradner worked for Sears, Roebuck & Company in Greensboro, NC for 26 years as an accountant and auditor, retiring in 1980.
A graveside service will be held at Westminster Gardens, 3601 Whitehurst Road, in Greensboro, NC on October 2 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross. The Bradner family wishes to express sincere thanks to Presbyterian Hospice for their compassionate service to John and the family. Arrangements for the Bradner family are in the care of Heritage Funeral Home, Weddington/Matthews Chapel. Online guest book available www.heritagefuneral.net.
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I am very sorry for your loss. My Grandfather was Dunnreath Bradner and I so wish he had lived such a long life. May he rest in peace. eliabeth ellison, bryson city, nc October 4, 2010 2:18 PM
Your family is being prayed for by the folks at Purley UMC. Our hearts go out to you. Blessings. Rev. Howard James, Blanch, NC October 1, 2010 9:21 PM
I was sorry to hear of Uncle John's passing. As a child and young adult, John was always my favorite uncle. He was a war hero, but rarely spoke of his time in the war. He always seemed to understand me, no matter what stage in life I was in and I always enjoyed his wry sense of humor. He had the best BS meter of anyone I have ever known and seemed to always be quietly amused by everything going on around him. I often wondered what he was thinking. He loved his family and was so proud of all of his children and grandchildren. Truly, he was one of a kind and I mourn the passing of another hero from the greatest generation. Lee Evans, Raleigh, NC September 30, 2010 10:56 AM
I am John Lance's cousin once removed. My mother was Evelyn Bradner Moorefield, father was Dunreath Bradner. Please accept my condolences and regret that I never got to know him or his family. I was particularly moved by Cousin Dorsey's account and sadness. Please know you have my sympathy. Yancey Moorefield Smith. Yancey M. Smith, Caswell County, NC September 29, 2010 5:57 AM
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