Shirley Elaine Acuff Bradley
May 14, 1938 ~ December 1, 2025
Born in:
Middlesboro, Kentucky
Resided in:
Brentwood , Tennessee
Shirley was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky on May 14, 1938, to Gladys and Claude Acuff. She grew up at Dunbar Cave and attended Clarksville High School where she met her husband of sixty-one years, David Wilson Bradley, who preceded her in 2021. She graduated from Austin Peay State University with a degree in education. Following college graduation, she and David lived in Melbourne, Florida, and she taught elementary school for many years.
She is survived by her children Laurie Dambro (Ed Chairvolotti) of Orlando, Florida, and Scott Bradley (Michelle) of Brentwood, Tennessee. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Micah Bradley (Dillon Dunn), Eli Bradley, Nick Dambro, and Zac Dambro. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and by her twin brother Roger Acuff.
Devoted to her family, she was generous and loving. Shirley enjoyed being active in the church and was a member at Melbourne Church of Christ (Florida) and was also a member at Madison Street Church of Christ and Hillsdale Church of Christ while living in Clarksville. She taught children’s Bible classes and
assisted with the Meals on Wheels program for many years. Her hobbies included craft shows, gardening, scrapbooking, travel (especially the Smokey Mountains), and playing Words with Friends.
Shirley’s family will celebrate and remember her life privately. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Alive Hospice.
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Shirley and David were an exceptional couple. They were both great friends of ours in Clarksville and while we had a second home in Melbourne. Shirley sought opportunities to be helpful and generous. She gave us several beautiful quilts which we cherish. She was a Christian in word and deed. We have missed David and will surely miss Shirley. I’m sure you have many sweet memories.
Shirley was a dear friend and sister in Christ. She will be tremendously missed.
Laurie, my condolences to you and your family. Losing a loved one is difficult but no doubt you are surrounded by love and support. Remember the good times and lean on those around you during this time.
Losing a mother is one of life’s deepest sorrows, and my heart goes out to you and your family. I hope you can find strength in the beautiful moments you shared with her and peace in knowing how much she shaped the lives around her.
Shirley was such an inspiring example of a Christian wife, Mother, Bible Class Teacher, & friend. She was such a sweet friend to my Mother, who I am sure is at the gates of heaven welcoming her home! Praying for Scott & Laurie and all their families!
Shirley was a amazing example to me and everyone around her. At Melbourne she participated in the wedding showers, baby showers, took food to people, visited people, watched kids for people, taught classes. I had the great honor of having Scott in our youth group. She was supportive of all we attempted to do and provided funds when needed for a activity. She was a beacon of light when David started declining, helping him all the way and I remember the last Bible class he taught on a Wednesday night. Shirley was in the back row. When he lost his place she graciously and wisely said something that guided us back to where he intended we be. Grace is a primary word I would use to describe her. She will be missed here but I look forward to seeing her again.