Sherman Barlette Bradley Sr.

Sherman Barlette Bradley, 85, peacefully entered eternal rest on January 31, 2026. Born on December 4, 1940, Sherman, aka “Mr. B,” possessed an affable and infectious personality. He knew no strangers and was the life of the party everywhere he went. Sherman was an avid reader and a lover of learning. He did all he could to be adept at conversations on any subject matter. Educated in Cincinnati Public Schools, during his time at Taft High School, he read and studied the entire dictionary. Sherman’s life and speech were always inspirational and motivational. He started a company called “B.A.B.Y., Inc.” —Build A Better You, and was known to invest in teaching people how to live their best life. Two of his famous quotes were, “Do the most good you can for the most people you can,” and “Always be yourself, who else is better qualified?”

A proud former United States Marine from 1959-1963, Sherman served his country with honor, traveling to five of seven continents around the world. Following his military service, he devoted over 30 years to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), where he was an Operations Engineer known for his enthusiasm, dependability, and strong work ethic.

Sherman was a loyal and constant friend. Annually, for twenty years during the summer months, he would go deep sea fishing with a group of his buddies. He engaged in family meals during the holidays with Annie Russell and her family. Sherman was passionate about self-care, becoming a local legend in racquetball with his son, and working out regularly at Mercy Healthplex in Fairfield. He believed that health is wealth.

Sherman was immensely devoted to his family. He was a parental figure for his brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. He was an extraordinarily proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who loved and supported his offspring until the end.

He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Sherman Brian Bradley (former United States Air Force Sergeant); daughter-in-law, Melissa Sadell Bradley; and grandchildren Whitney Clement, Shaniqua Nicole Johnson, greatgrandson Jaxon Kyle Hotling, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

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