Raymond E. "Bear" Bradley Iv

Raymond E. “Bear” Bradley, IV, passed away Monday morning, June 10, 2024, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. A native of Lake Charles, LA, Bear was born June 17, 1983, to Raymond “Buddy” and Debra Bradley. He was a born-again Christian and was secure in his salvation.

He was an extremely accomplished specialty welder (known as Ray to co-workers). Bear attended Sowela Technical Community College where he placed 1st in a local welding competition and was recruited and continued honing his skills with the Bechtel Corp.

Bear was currently employed with the Zachry Group where he was known by his superiors as their “heavy hitter”. He was dedicated to his craft and was respected by his coworkers and supervisors.

Bear was brilliant man, protective, loyal and fun loving. His hobbies included fishing, knives-collecting and sharpening, archery and playing darts. He enjoyed good food, good humor and cherished his family and friends. He had an adventurous spirit and loved being outdoors. Bear had the ability to reach people in a positive way, always offering hope and possibility. His selflessness made those around him feel secure. He was always there to lend a helping hand without hesitation, a gentle giant with a huge heart and although his time here on earth was short, his impact was profound.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents: Helen and Larry Bragg, Sr., Raymond E. “Buzz” Bradley II, Leon Watson (Poppie) and his Aunt; Michelle Bradley.

Those left to cherish his memory are his parents; Raymond E. “Buddy” Bradley, III, Debra (Debbie) Bragg Bradley, brother; Steven Bradley, sister; Ariel Braddock and husband Evans, girlfriend; Jewel Angelle’ Breaux, Grandmothers; Katina Watson and Pat Bradley, nephew; August Braddock, and nieces; Windsor Braddock and Stetson Braddock, Aunts; Elizabeth Cormier and husband Billy, and Sherry Watkins and husband Wynn, Uncle; Larry Bragg Jr. and wife Kristie, and a host of friends and extended family.

Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 7:00PM at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake St. Lake Charles, La. 70605. The family has entrusted cremation arrangements to Johnson Funeral Home.