Leroy Bradley

Leroy Bradley, 80, Trailblazing Pharmacist, Devoted Husband, and Mentor Leroy Bradley, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, pharmacist, and mentor, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham, Maryland. He was 80. Born on September 25, 1944, in Kingstree, South Carolina, Mr. Bradley was the oldest son of the late Willie Gee and Lula Mae Bradley. From an early age, his brilliance and quiet determination were evident. At Tomlinson High School, he was invited to join the Accelerated Academic Program, graduating a year early and third in his class in 1961. After a year of work, he pursued his dream of becoming a pharmacist, enrolling at Howard University's College of Pharmacy, where he distinguished himself academically and in campus life. He graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, earning top honors on multiple comprehensive examinations. While in Washington, D.C., before beginning his studies at Howard, Mr. Bradley met Vivian Harris, the love of his life. He was 16, she was 14, and what began as a teenage friendship blossomed into a seven-year, long-distance courtship, sustained by weekly Tuesday night calls between Washington, D.C., and Charleston, West Virginia. On August 19, 1967, they were married, beginning nearly 58 years of partnership built on faith, devotion, and joy. Together, they raised two children, Lynette and Kevin, and delighted in the blessings of four grandchildren. Mr. Bradley began his professional career with Peoples Drug Stores, now CVS Pharmacy, during his final year of pharmacy school. Over the course of 43 years, he rose through positions from student pharmacist to store manager, district manager, and pharmacy supervisor, ultimately becoming the first African American district manager in the company's history. Known for his integrity, calm leadership, and ability to inspire confidence, he mentored countless pharmacists and managers during his tenure. He retired in 2010 after more than four decades of service. Outside of his professional career, Mr. Bradley was deeply committed to service and education. He was active in the Howard University College of Pharmacy Alumni Association, where he served as treasurer and chaired the Pharmacy Action Committee, helping raise more than $100,000 to establish the Chauncey I. Cooper Scholarship Fund. He also served in leadership roles with the Washington, D.C. Pharmaceutical Association, the Maryland Pharmacists Association, and was a founding member of The Men of Our Time, Inc., a service and scholarship organization that continues to support students today. His many honors included being named Pharmacist of the Year by the Washington, D.C. Pharmaceutical Association in 1985, receiving the prestigious Bowl of Hygeia Award in 1992, and in 2014, being recognized with the Chauncey I. Cooper Distinguished Alumnus Award for Outstanding Service in Pharmacy by the Howard University College of Pharmacy Alumni Association. Though he was admired for his professional and civic accomplishments, Mr. Bradley was best known for his humility, faith, and quiet strength. He led not with many words, but with steady wisdom, grace, and action. A man of deep faith, he lived with integrity and gratitude, serving as a role model to his family, colleagues, and community. Mr. Bradley was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Willie Gee Bradley Jr. He is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Vivian Lowette Bradley; two children, Lynette Bradley-Baker (Troy) of Severn, MD, and Kevin Bradley (Dianne) of Baltimore, MD; four grandchildren, Jasmine Gore, Taevon Bradley (Taniya), William Baker, and Daniel Bradley; two sisters, Pansy Bradley-Cooper (Arthur) and Elretha Washington; sister-in-law, Cora Squalls-Moreland (Daniel); brother-in-law, William Harris Jr. (Joan); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. A celebration of his life will be held at Celebration Church at Columbia, 7101 Riverwood Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 on Thursday August 28, 2025: viewing from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., a remembrance service at 11 a.m. followed by interment at Maryland National Memorial, 13300 Baltimore Avenue, Laurel, MD 20707.

Leroy Bradley

September 25, 1944 - August 15, 2025