Garry Kirby Bradshaw

On Monday, May 19, 2025 Garry Kirby Bradshaw (Poppy) went to his heavenly home. Garry succumbed to his battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis while in his home surrounded by family.

Garry is survived by his loving wife of 62 years (July 2025) Lola Suttle Bradshaw, two daughters – Debra Philyaw and Michele Bradshaw Farr, a brother – Douglas Bradshaw (wife Suzette), his grandson, Bradley Suddreth (husband Steven Suddreth), three granddaughters - Brianna Martin (husband Tyler Martin), Amanda Farr, Jenna Farr, and one great-grandson August Martin (AJ to Poppy). Garry loved his family! He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Faye Bradshaw, his brother Richard Bradshaw, and his sister, Martha Bradshaw.

Garry was born in Lenoir, NC on August 27, 1944 to Clifford and Faye Bradshaw. Due to his father being in WWII he spent much of his early years at his grandparents, Jasper Allen and Rose Price Kirby (Poppy and Mama Kirby). Garry loved sharing stories about his childhood, helping his Poppy farm, playing basketball at Lenoir High School (he was a proud Bearcat) and shenanigans he and his brothers got into. Garry graduated high school, worked in the furniture industry and married his loving, patient wife, Lola. He worked alongside her to support their family of two girls. He loved being in and respected nature and was an avid outdoorsman and huntsman. The love his family has of outdoor activities is much attributed to his teaching. Garry taught his children and grand children about the importance of being together with family, joy of camping, picnics, rocking on the front porch, gun safety and shooting and so much more.

Garry loved his dogs! In the early years he owned beagles and rabbit hunted. In later years, Garry loved his Redbone Coonhounds, breeding and hunting them. He was blessed to have raised many grand show and grand night champions, meeting people and making friends from all over the United States. Garry never met a stranger and had an infectious smile that would light up a room. He met many more people through his work as an animal control officer in Caldwell County and retired as director from the Alexander County animal control office. When he could no longer hunt and lost his last beloved dogs, Garry enjoyed traveling thousands of miles with Shane and Daniel Ellison opening safes and attending tractor shows. During the last couple years and through his illness he got much happiness from watching you tube videos produced by Haste Draft Horses and Mules. Garry and his wife attended Union Grove Baptist Church. He grew much in his faith under the tutelage of Reverend Sam Craven who, along with associate pastor, Jeff Lambert and his wife, Kim, became good friends. Garry enjoyed serving God through helping Rob Bratcher lead the youth in “Survivor” VBS for many years. Garry’s wife, daughters, and grandchildren are deeply saddened by his passing and miss him beyond what words can describe. However, there is peace found in knowing Garry is safely and securely in the arms of Jesus! The family has been humbled by the amount of love and support from friends and family through this heart-breaking time and thanks everyone for each prayer and any type of correspondence and kindness shared. We are certain that since he gave his life to Christ he was received with “…Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25: 23

The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 25, 2025 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m, at Union Grove Baptist Church, Lenoir, NC. Funeral service and interment at the church cemetery will follow receiving of friends. Reverend Sam Craven and Pastor Jeff Lambert will lead the service, with Garry’s niece, Susan Young, playing the piano and friend Rob Bratcher singing.

Pall bearers will be Chris Brackett, Tim Cornett, Shane Ellison, Daniel Ellison, Jim Hill, and Tyler Martin.

Memorials can be made to Union Grove Baptist Church, Lenoir NC, Haste Draft Horses and Mules (checks payable to HM Equine LLC 1271 Halon Young Road, Liberty KY 42539) or Helping Hands Clinic in Lenoir, NC .

Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the Bradshaw family.