Dr. I.T. Bradley

BradleyIT photo

Dr. Irece T. Bradley was born on January 20, 1932 to Irene Newson in Greenville, Mississippi. He went to be with his heavenly father on January 10, 2022 at the age of 89. He met the love of his life, Delores Denson in Akron, Ohio. They were married on February 15, 1951 and has been for over70 years. He was the father of five (5) children, a grandfather and a great-grandfather.

Dr. Bradley was educated in the Akron Public Schools and graduated from North High School. Dr. Bradley earned a Bachelor of Arts in History Education from Virginia Union University in 1961. He furthered his education by earning a Master of Divinity in 1975 and a Doctorate of Ministry in 1981, both from Pittsburg Theological Seminary in Pittsburg, PA.

Dr. Bradley served in the U.S. Army from 1950 – 1953 and is a Korean War veteran. He was honorably discharged after being wounded with the rank of Corporal and received a Purple Heart.

Dr. Bradley has served as Senior Pastor at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Heathsville, Virginia; Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio; Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio; Christ Memorial Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio; St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio and Second Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio where he retired in December, 2002.

Dr. Bradley’s secular work experience includes teaching history and government at Virginia Randolph High School in Glen Allen, Virginia; instructing in 50 MM shell packing and production at the Ravenna Arsenal in Ravenna, Ohio; Associate Director of East Akron Community House in charge of programming in Akron, Ohio; Professor of Black Religion and Theology at the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio; visiting professor in History and Theology at the Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio and visiting professor in Black church History and Theology at the Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Bradley also served as Director of Black Studies and a member of the Board of Directors of the Mansfield Bible College and Seminary in Mansfield, Ohio.

Positions that Dr. Bradley has held includes: President of the Congress of Christian Education of the Ohio Baptist General Convention, Minister of Cooperative Relationships for the Ohio Baptist Convention and Academic Dean at the Eastern Union Bible College in Columbus, Ohio, State Director of Christian Education and was the First Assistant to Northern District Overseer Renea Collins for the State of Ohio Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.

Dr. Bradley has two publications to his credit: “The Redeeming Love of God”, that was published by the Pittsburg Theological Seminary in 1972 and “The Black Church, An Agent of Economic Development in the Black Community”, that was published by the Ohio Baptist General Convention in 1974.

In 2002, The Bradley Bible College was established in Akron, Ohio. This year marks the 20th year that the College has been established.

On January 12, 2003, Dr. Bradley began serving as the pulpit overseer (Interim Pastor) of the New Beginnings Full Gospel Baptist Church after having had 40+ years of pastoral experience. Though New Beginning had been extremely blessed to have Dr. Bradley serving as pulpit overseer and though they respected traditional Baptist polity where an interim pastor is not to be a candidate for the pulpit, they also
knew that each Baptist church is its own governing body. Therefore, the New Beginning Family, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, extended the pastoral call to Dr. Bradley in early 2004 and he was officially installed as pastor on September 26, 2004. It was Dr. Bradley’s vision with New Beginning to share significantly in the area of Christian Education and to strengthen their fellowship within the community.

Dr. Bradley officially retired in 2009, residing in Columbus, Ohio. He united with Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Jerome H. Ross, Sr.

An awesome anointed teacher, instructor, preacher, and visionary; Dr. Bradley has been and will always be remembered as a mentor to so many.

Dr. Bradley was preceded in death by his mother, Irene Newson.

Dr. Bradley leaves to cherish his memory: Wife; Delores Denson Bradley: Three Sons; Adrien (Sandra) Bradley of Canton, OH, Guiseppe Bradley of Columbus and Anthony (Shirley) Bradley of San Diego, CA: Two Daughters; Chaserece Dunson and Delarece Bradley both of Columbus; Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and a host of Nieces, Nephews and Friends.

Pastor Bradley will lie in state from 10:00am -11:00am; family will receive friends at 11:00am until time of Home Going Service at 12:00 noon Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Triedstone Baptist Church 858 E. 3rd Ave. Interment 10:00am Monday at Dayton National Cemetery. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave. Services can be streamed at http://www.triedstonebaptistchurch.org/live-video-stream.

Condolence Messages

  1. Kim Hairston-Dismuke

    Praying for the Family. Wonderful teacher!

  2. Elder Mary McWilliams

    Dr. Bradley was my friend and mentor. He was my driving force to pursue my MDiv and now DMin. It was my wish that he would have been able to see me get hooded this May. He loved me and Ashton. His sense of humor was unmatched. He made the crooked places straight for many of us in ministry. Dr. Bradley was a true gentleman of the Gospel and served as a Doctor of the Lord’s Church immaculately. I remember when he joined Triedstone in his latter years; he was always willing to serve. He served with dignity and quietness. I will forever miss and yet cherish our conversations. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to sit under his tutelage.

    • It was a pleasure to have met and sat Under Dr. Bradley in class and service. I am forever blessed by his teachings. Prayers and Condolences to the Bradley family. May God’s peace be with you all.

  3. Elder Quinn Simpson

    To the entire Bradley family, our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to you during this difficult time. Dr. Bradley was truly an inspiration to me and I Loved our talks. His wisdom will always be cherished. Truly an Awesome Man of God.
    Elder Quinn & Dee Simpson

  4. I have known this GREAT GIANT, since I was a child, CHILDREN’S Band, GUILD GIRLS, when the NEIL HOUSE was downtown. Just so many many wonderful terrific great memories of UNCLE I.T. LEGACY, God has took home a GRAND and great soldier, I’ll miss him, but just to know that ill see him there one day I know it’s alright. Love you UNCLE, see you in the morning, PRAYING for the entire family. Holding on to his LEGACY and the great memories.

  5. Pauletta Pauletta Williams-Bowen

    Delores and extended family of Rev. Dr. Bradley. I’m sorry to hear of the passing of a beautiful man, Dr. I.T. Bradley. I will be praying that God give you comfort and strength during this time. Dr. Bradley was a gentle person, a great mentor, a man of dignity and integrity. He minister the Gospel at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Akron Ohio. He not only preached the word of the Lord’s, but walked the talk too and sang.
    I can encounter the time when Dr. Bradley would take time to visit with my parents (James/Bea Williams) in Akron Ohio during my mother illness. Dr. Bradley as I sit and shed tears you will truly be missed by all in Akron Ohio. We will always love you. Pauletta Williams-Bowen of Akron Ohio

    • Leviett Bradford

      To Mama Bradley and Family you have my deepest sympathy .My prays are with you during the time of your loss of your love one. Pastor was like a father to me,he will never be forgotten. Mama just know that you are not alone,in the word it tell us that God will never leave us or forsaken us.Love you Mama Bradley.

  6. Gloria Collins Jennings...Akron Ohio

    To the Bradley family.My parents,James and Marie Collins loved Pastor Bradley.We grew up on the north side of Akron,and were members of Mt.Zion Baptist Church.The good days when your parents didn’t send you to church,they went with you.God is good.Will continue to pray for the family.

  7. Leviett Bradford

    To Mama Bradley and Family you have my deepest sympathy .My prays are with you during the time of your loss of your love one. Pastor was like a father to me,he will never be forgotten. Mama just know that you are not alone,in the word it tell us that God will never leave us or forsaken us.Love you Mama Bradley.

  8. Elder Shoundra Edwards

    Praying for the family my condolences

  9. Pastor Jean Green

    To the family: I must admit when I heard of the passing of Dr. I.T. Bradley my heart wept, because the body of Christ has lost a great soldier. But, my heart soon began to rejoice as I thought of him dancing with the Lord, what a great man of God. Mother Bradley and Family please know that my heart and prayers are with you. Be bless and strong in the Lord Always.

  10. Sis Tawana Webb Pastor IT was an amazing teacher/Pastor. I was a member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Dayton Ohio. You will be truly missed by many. Prayers for the family.

  11. Deborah L. Person-Mobley

    To The Bradley Family,
    My brothers, Calvin & Glynn Person, and I are grateful to Rev I. T. Bradley for his dedicated & sincere heart to God. Rev Bradley and my mother – Cleola Person, were not only church related associates, parishioner and pastor, they were also, spiritual brotherly/sisterly friends. My teenage years was under his ministry that influenced me to know Christ in the light of broader knowledge of love. Rev Bradley had moved from Akron, and when he was in Akron he would always asked about my Mother and my brothers. Rev Bradley was a man of his word. He kept in touch to the point he Eulogized our Mother, at Mt Zion Baptist Church, with a sermon I keep close to my heart. I Thank God for allowing me to be under the ministry of Rev Bradley. I will keep the Bradley family in my thoughts and prayers.
    Sincerely,
    Deborah L. Person-Mobley
    Akron, Ohio

  12. PEACE BE STILL!!!!!

    He Was a GOAT. !!!!!

    Bonnie P Brown. Akron

  13. To the Bradley Family, Pastor will be missed, he was the to be on program for my son Lamont’s service. My son Charles was a member of his church. Pastor was a great inspiration to both my sons. I will keep the family in prayer.

  14. A great man of God. Awesome preacher and teacher! One of God’s best. We rejoice in knowing that he is now with the Lord. It was an honor to know him and to learn from him. Praying for God’s peace and comfort.

  15. Aaron Jr and Sharon Portis

    Our condolences to the family and friends of the Bradley family. I always looked forward to him coming to my church, United Baptist Church, in Akron, Ohio to preach.
    God Bless,

  16. Aaron Jr and Sharon Portis. Akron,Ohio

    Our condolences to the family and friends of the Bradley family. I always looked forward to him coming to my church, United Baptist Church, in Akron, Ohio to preach.
    God Bless,

  17. My sincere condolences to the Bradley family I attended Mt Zion Baptist Church where he baptized me at the early at of 10 may you rest in power see you on the other side

  18. Colla R Williams

    Praying for the Bradley Family. Anthony and Shirley Bradley are my Friends here in San Diego.. May God continue to Bless this entire Family.. And Praying for my Pastor From San Diego. Pastor Reginald Gary As he Eulogized Dr Bradley…

  19. Elder Delores Medley-Greene

    Dr. Bradley was a wonderful man of God. Before being ordained as a minister, Dr. Bradley catechized me and those who were in my class, at the Triedstone Baptist Church in 20003. Upon my entering Trinity Lutheran Seminary, while working in the library, we would see each other as he was taking out books and seeking to find certain books. He always called me daughter and was like a father to me in the ministry. He will be missed. My prayers to up to God for the Bradley family and Sis. Bradley. May you all be secure in Father God through Jesus Christ our Savior. Sleep well Dr. Bradley. We wil see you when Christ returns to take His children home.

  20. To the Family
    We truly have lost a General in the body of Christ
    My deepest sympathy is extended to you but I want you to know that we all have an appointment with God and his time was up.He left us a great legacy teaching us if we study the Word of God we will reap a harvest.

  21. Praying for the family. Dr Bradley will truly be missed. He was a wonderful teacher.

  22. My sincere condolences to the family, Sister Bradley we will continue to keep you in our prayers. Rest in power Pastor.

  23. Yvonne Johnson McGinnis

    So sorry for your loss-our loss. I grew up with Dr. IT at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Akron, OH. I am one of the Johnson girls from Hudson, OH. Prayers, strength and Love.

  24. Elder Yvonne D. Freeman-Brooks

    My condolences & prayers for the family and friends if this wonderful Man of God.
    He was my very first pastor at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Akron when I was just a child.
    May the Father keep you all wrapped in His arms.

  25. PAULINE C GRANT CLARK

    Mama Delores: I just heard that Daddy is gone. He will truly be missed not only by me but the entire Akron community. He was truly a MOG, a preacher, a teacher, a man of integrity and a man who definitely could walk the walk! Mama remember the good times you and Daddy had and they will get you through this chapter in your life until you can see him again. I love you.

    Pauline

  26. Walter and Joy Scrutchings

    The Scrutchings Family will surely miss the love and kind spirit of Dr. Bradley. It was an honor to serve as his Minister of Music for 12 years. Dr. Bradley also served as our pastor. My wife Joy and I will miss such good days of laughter, great advice and just a wonderful fellowship. Dr. and Mrs. Bradley will always be loved and remembered for the love they shared with the Scrutchings Family of Akron, Ohio. Rest Well Dr. Bradley….

  27. Somehow I wasn’t aware of the passing of Dr. I. T. Bradley until now. My husband and I often quoted him from his days of teaching at the Eastern Union Bible College. He was a gifted and learned teacher whose contributions will be sorely missed!

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