Luther William Bradley

August 2, 1927 – May 30, 2026

 

Chief Luther William Bradley answered his final alarm and was called to his eternal home in heaven.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Alma Bradley; his brother Leroy Bradley (Geneva Bradley and Marie Davis); and his sons, Luther Jr. and Edward Bradley.

He is survived by his wife of 78 years, Harriett “The Legend” Bradley.

Luther also leaves behind three daughters: Shelia House, Doris Stanback (Haskel Stanback), and Hilda Mynatt (Doyle Mynatt).

As a young father, Luther worked as a bricklayer, often traveling for work that was not available to him locally because of Jim Crow laws. Determined to provide the best for his family, Bradley would go on to own and operate a vehicle service center, proving himself to be a successful businessman.

In 1957, he became one of the first Black firefighters hired by the city of Knoxville, Tennessee. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Captain of Station 4, where he battled fires on the east side of town. His next promotion led him to serve as Fire Inspector for the Fire Prevention Bureau. Seven years later, Bradley became Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal, serving in that role until 1982.

Luther was blessed with seven grandchildren: Leigh Wooding (Ronald Wooding), Stacia Leatherwood (Derek Leatherwood), Amber Copeland (Julian Copeland), Kristie Stanback, Joshua House (Tiffany House), Preston Mynatt (Jessica Mynatt), and Summer Ragsdale (Byron Ragsdale).

He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren: Gabrial, Eryn, Emersyn, Bradley, Grayson, Jackson, Adé, Graylan, and Graynt.

He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members-in-love who brought him great joy.