Erman Franklin Bradley

April 14, 2025

 

CHARLOTTE – Rev. Erman Franklin Bradley, 95, of Charlotte died Monday, April 14, 2025 at TerraBella Little Avenue Assisted Living. He was born September 18, 1929 in Gastonia, NC, to Roy Franklin Bradley and Mary Susan Cecilia Bradley Wilson. 

Erman attended NC State and studied Pre-Civil Engineering from 1947-1948. He graduated premedical in 1951 from Wofford College in S.C., with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a triple-minor in Biology, Psychology, and Mathematics. Upon graduation, he volunteered for service in the Army for three years. After training, he served as a special agent of the Counter-intelligence Corps.

During the Korean War, he was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, as a Headquarters Agent with the 4th Infantry Division. It was there that he began learning German—a language he came to speak fluently and continued to enjoy using throughout his lifetime. While in the Army, during a revival at Butzbach, Germany, Erman received a clear call to the ministry. He then received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1954 and entered Duke Seminary, where he attended five years and graduated in 1957.
 

Erman was a gifted reverend who loved the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might (Deuteronomy 6:5). In 1958, he served as a member of the Chaplain’s Department at Duke Medical Center. He was a member of Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte where he served as the Minister of Pastoral Care and Counseling from 1965-1975. Later in his life he frequently taught Sunday School at Myers Park UMC and also delivered communion. Erman never met a stranger and truly loved his neighbor as himself (Luke 10:27). His goal on this earth was to bring joy to the people around him and to share God’s overwhelming and abundant love. He was a talented musician and often entertained the guests at TerraBella Assisted Living with his favorite songs on the piano. Erman also enjoyed playing chess, reading books, gardening, watercolor painting, nutrition studies, and wood/stone carving. Perhaps the most memorable of his hobbies was his love of writing poetry- he wrote thousands of poems in his lifetime that will be forever cherished by his friends and family. 

Erman is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Janet Claire McDonald Bradley; his sister, Alene Benson; and his grandson, Jaymes Linenkohl. He is survived by his daughters Susan Linenkohl and Sandra Austin, both of Charlotte; son, Robert Bradley of Statesville, NC; sister, Edrie Knight of Statesville, NC; five grandchildren, Justin and Jordanae Linenkohl, David Smitherman, Lisa Stouffer, and Aaron Bradley; and eight great-grandchildren. Erman was dearly loved by his family and will be greatly missed until we are reunited one day in Heaven. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on May 6, 2025 at Myers Park United Methodist Church with Rev. Nancy Watson officiating and Rev. Melvin McIntosh assisting. 

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to VIA Health Partners, P.O. Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247, http://donatehospice.org.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Robert & Susan Bradley

    I am proud that O can call.Erman my father, and my wife and I truly miss talking with Him and just being with Him. He always tried to give us several thoughts for the day that would encourage us and make us feel better about us and others! We deeply miss Him-our father, friend, and encourager in life. We love and miss you Dad! Please continue to pray for us in Heaven! Susan & Robert

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  • Leland Fuerstman

    It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Rev. Dr. Erman Bradley, 95. A long time member of the Charlotte Chess Club, he was generally the first player to arrive. This was a highly educated and intelligent man who taught me much. I was honored to enjoy numerous conversations with him where we solved all of the problems of the world. He will be sorely missed. NMLF

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  • David Dulin

    Erman was one of the kindest, sweetest and gentle people I ever met. I would add maybe the smartest person I ever met. While a Pastor at Myers Park UMC he was very kind to my Grandmother who was legally blind and an invalid by visiting her often. When I think of ink of Erman I think of the Scripture Micah 6:8:
    "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

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  • Allen Osborne

    Erman F. Bradley
    Erman F. Bradley
    A man I had only met a few times but he was always a joy to chat with. I’m glad he was able to live a long and successful life.. He was a man with many talents and accomplishments,and will be missed by all those that knew him.

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  • Linda Butler

    Sandy and Susan,
    My heartfelt condolences for your loss. What a precious man. I’m thankful to have known him and will remember him fondly for his questions, jokes and sweet spirit.
    Love to you
    Linda (from Dr. Jaynes office

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