Willie Joe Chambers Bradley

Willie Joe Chambers Bradley, 86, was born, August 01, 1938 in Henrietta, TN to the late Willie Joe Chambers and Sarah Bradley. Homegoing Celebration for Willie will be held at 1:30PM, Saturday, October 12, 2024 in the chapel at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Blvd in Waco.  Burial will follow at Doris Miller Memorial Park in Waco. 

 Both of his parents, left him at an early age. He married Patricia Chambers Wright and together they had five children. Throughout his life he lived in Oakland, CA, Tennessee, Texas and Oklahoma City, OK. He passed away in Oklahoma City, surrounded by his children. It was here in the Waco area that he raised his family and spent many years.

 Willie attended Booker T. Washington High School in Hugo, Oklahoma and Langston University in Mustang, Oklahoma. Willie went on to play professional football for the Oakland Raiders, he was injured during his first season which ended his professional career, but he went on to play semi-pro football until the age of 51 years old. He took great pride in the fact he was the oldest on the team and could still keep up with the young players. Willie worked as a truck driver and school buses over the years, employed by Waco ISD, Trailways, Waco Transit, City Tire and Battery, Smith Furniture, Covenant Transport, and Airport Express in Oklahoma City. He worked hard all of his life and did not retire until he was 80 years old. Willie became a member of Gospel Light House in Oklahoma City, under the leadership of Pastor Lawrence Smootts. He did attend various churches, always enjoyed worshiping with other congregations.

 Willie was a sports enthusiast, football, baseball and basketball. He enjoyed watching his grandkids and great-grandkids play ball. His favorite and beloved teams were the Dallas Cowboys, the Oakland Raiders, the OU Sooners, the LA Lakers, and the Texas Rangers. Watching the Dallas Cowboys and talking on the phone with his daughters, Verletta and Angel, during each play and every game was one of his favorite joys. Having special calls on the phone with his children, grandkids, great-grandkids brought him great joy. Willie valued family and loved his siblings and extended family.

 Willie was preceded in death by his parents and the parents that raised him, Sarah Bradley, Willie Joe Chambers, Ida Mae Garrett Jacobs and Elmer Jacobs; two daughters, Willetta Hamilton and Arletta Chambers; his son, Dexter Chambers, Sr.; his brother, Adolph Jacobs; sisters, Sandra Little John-Pearl, Willa Dean Brown, and Esther Cook; 3 grandsons, and 1 great-grandson, Michael Moore, Jr.

 Willie leaves to cherish his memory is two daughters, Verletta DeGrate (Larry, Jr.) and Angel Little both of Waco; son, Eugene Chambers of Oklahoma City; sisters, Lutisha Tinnin, Mackie Fairfield, Ruthie Skanes; 21 grandkids; 66 great-grandkids; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The Bradley family invites you to leave a message or memory on our "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com.