Earnest Thomas Bradley, 73, was born on August 29, 1947, to the late Vivian Boyd Hill and Sylvester Bradley in Pass Christian, Mississippi. He was a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Earnest departed this life, Thursday, July 15, 2021.

Earnest "Big Chief" as he was commonly known as by family and friends attended Randolph High School. He was employed with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for many years and later switched career paths going on to work for Roy Anderson Construction, until his health began to fail. Earnest was reared in the Baptist faith and was a devout Christian. He loved his family and created many lasting memories with them.

Earnest was an avid dancer. As his family reflects on his life, they recall how Earnest seemed to come alive when he danced. In fact, the pure joy that Earnest gained from dancing was seemingly felt by spectators who were in the room. When he was not dancing, Earnest enjoyed watching old Western films, only in black in white. This was the ONLY way to watch Westerns. Earnest was an amazing man, and he had an amazing approach to life. Each morning, Earnest would greet the world by saying, "Hello world!"

This was the life of a man who enjoyed life and took every opportunity to seize the day. Earnest was loved by everyone, and he was the life of EVERY event. Although he will be missed dearly, the family is comforted by having been able to spend time with such an amazing man.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester Bradley, and Vivian Hill; a stepfather, James Hill; three grandsons, Stacey Valentine, Earnest Dedeaux, Matthew Dedeaux and two sisters, Mary Musgrove Evans and Alice Posey.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Alice Smith Bradley; one son, Earnest Bradley-Kiln, Mississippi; seven daughters, Nicole Bradley (Reginald Williamson)- Moss Point, Mississippi, Leslie Smith- Pass Christian, Mississippi, LaToya Bradley- Pass Christian Mississippi, Keyona Acker- Pearlington, Mississippi, Alicia (Jamie) McKay- Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, Breanna Morgan- Gulfport, Mississippi; four brothers, Sylvester Bradley- Pass Christian, Mississippi, James Hill- Pass Christian, Mississippi, Phillip Hill- Maryland, Willie Hill- Pass Christian, Mississippi; two sisters, Earlene Henry- Cocoa Beach, Florida, Beulah Johnson- Gulfport, Mississippi; 24 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Joseph Smith (Kim)- Gulfport, Mississippi; a friend, John Leonard- Gulfport, Mississippi; nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.