Robert Jerome Bradberry died at his Morning View Farms home March 6. He was 88.
Bradberry was born in Wichita, Kansas on July 9, 1922 to Earl and Genevieve Bradberry. He was the middle child of three siblings, with an older brother Carroll and younger sister Pat. The family moved to Florida for a few years before settling in California.
Bradberry graduated from Fairfax High School in 1941. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 and became a flight instructor based in Falcon Field Mesa, Ariz. known for his daring flying style. Bradberry met his future wife Katie during his time in Arizona, and the pair wed in Los Angeles on Sept. 20, 1947.
Bradberry dropped out of business school at the University of Southern California in 1948 to start his own company. The RJ Bradberry company placed vending machines in a wide variety of businesses from gas stations to theme parks. He moved to Malibu after retirement.
Bradberry enjoyed spending time outdoors. He particularly enjoyed riding horses in Malibu’s scenic hills, playing tennis and swimming. In addition to playing sports, Bradberry enjoyed watching them. He supported most major local teams, especially his favored Los Angeles Lakers.
Bradberry is remembered by those who knew him for his sociable humor and strong personality.
Bradberry is survived by his ex-wife Katie, his children Bob, Lory, Scott, Chris and Lisa, his 11 grandchildren and great-grandchild.
A memorial service with more than 145 people in attendance took place March 12 at the Pepperdine University Chapel.