David Allen “Pineknot” Bradley, 74, entered the gates of heaven Tuesday, November 24, 2009.

Few men ever achieve the level of respect and love he mastered in his lifetime.  He was such a man.  He grew up on a farm in Big Sandy, Texas.  His teenage years were spent hauling pulp wood with his father.  But he would hear the call of the oilfields and it would become one of the loves of his life.

Southern gospel was a huge part of his life.  If he wasn’t telling a story, chances are, he’d be singing.  The Gaither Quartet was among his favorites.

David was married for fifty-three years to the woman he still called his bride, Barbara “Bobbie” Bradley.  Together they had three daughters, Charlene Bolen of Katy, Patty Gonsky and her husband Ed of Long Valley, New Jersey, and Linda Largent-Whitfield and her husband Darryle of Picayune, Mississippi.  He is also survived by brothers, CL “Bubba” Bradley and Curtis Bradley; and sisters, Sue Taylor and Maudeen Chamberlain.

He is preceded in death by his son-in-law, John Largent; brother, Leonard Bradley; and sisters, Faye Mooney and Skippy Holmes.

In a world of stick horses, roller skates, Mickey Mouse hats, toys, oilfield talk and stories, our lives have been blessed to have had him in it.  We were better people for having known him. We learned how to live life to its fullest. We celebrate his life and know he had a great time living it.

His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 28, 2009, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday, November 27, 2009, at Broussard’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to Amelia Baptist Church, Children’s Ministry Fund, 8055 Brighton Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707.

“He will wipe away all tears from their eyes and there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain.  All of that will be gone forever.”  Rev. 21