Life and Legacy of Lumon T. Bradley, Sr.

Some called him Lumon, L.T., T, T-Bo, Dad, Pops, Pop-Pop, Pa-Pa, Grandpa, Uncle, Uncle-Daddy, brother, cousin, or friend. Regardless of what you called him, you would never forget how he made you feel. He was a man of strong faith and a servant's heart, who prayed without ceasing and had an endless love for family.

L.T. was born in Johnsonville, Alabama, on November 12, 1935, to the late Lumon Bradley and Arie Bradley Johnson. He was the first born of eleven children and attended Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where the foundation of his Christian walk began. At the age of 17, L.T. joined his cousin and best friend, Bill Samuel, in sunny California in search of better opportunities. He immediately enrolled at Oxnard High School. After graduation, he worked for Ventura County Hospital as a Medical Orderly and later attended Ventura College. He eventually moved to Los Angeles and worked in construction for many years. It has been said that he was the best and fastest house framer on this side of heaven.

In 1957, L.T. became a member of St. Paul Baptist Church, then located on 7th Street under the leadership of the late Pastor Jesse Walker. He served as Director of BTU and also joined the choir. He was very involved in the church's relocation to 1354 "C" Street and was instrumental in the demolition of the 7th Street building and the construction of the sanctuary, social hall, and classrooms at the new location. He remained committed to service as a faithful member of the Deacon Board, Men's Ministry, Food Share Program, and became a member of the Gideon-Oxnard Camp.

Prior to marrying the love of his life, Earnie R. Bradley, in 1971, he began working for Texaco Oil Company and moved to Oxnard. He worked as a Quality Control Inspector, ensuring safety, operational, and environmental standards were met. During his 25+ year tenure, he was sent to Bakersfield for a short stint to assist that branch. He retired from Texaco in 1996. In 2001, Texaco merged with Chevron.

After a couple of years of retirement, L.T. realized that sitting at home was not for him. So back to work he went. He worked for South Coast Area Transit (SCAT), a paratransit service in Oxnard that provides shared rides for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Because of his genuine love for people, he thought this would be a good fit—until he realized there were parts of Oxnard he had not discovered. After many late nights studying his work manifest and a Thomas Guide, he realized the job was a bit overwhelming and continued his employment search.

His last place of employment was with Oxnard Union School District. As a Campus Supervisor at Hueneme High School, he found work he truly loved: encouraging and guiding children. His infectious spirit was adored by both students and staff. After 15 years of employment, at the age of 80, L.T. finally retired for good. However, due to his strong work ethic, he never stopped thinking about getting another job.

L.T. was a jack of all trades—there was nothing he couldn't do. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading his Bible, cooking, and gardening. His specialties were cooking greens, butter beans, black-eyed peas, and baking cornbread. He loved cornbread!

He departed this earthly life and "made it up the hill" on November 10, 2025, to his heavenly home, just two days before his 90th birthday. He was preceded in death by his son, Minister Luman T. Bradley, Jr.; daughter, Annie Bennett Combs; brother, Spurgie Johnson; and sisters, Joycia Lee Culliver (Ezell) and Margret Rodgers (Louis).

He leaves to cherish his loving memory: Sons: Drue P. Venters III (Lori) – Bakersfield, CA; Raynard Hill – Oxnard, CA Daughters: Holly Franklin (Harvey) – Oxnard, CA; Karen Hill-Scott – San Leandro, CA; Ronda Venters-Mangum (Troy) – New Orleans, LA; Chandra L. Bradley – Oxnard, CA; Giovanna Brantley – Dimona, Israel Brothers: Carl Johnson (Priscilla) and Ronald Johnson – both of Birmingham, AL Sisters: Bishop Valeria Person – Augusta, GA; Pastor Ida Bell Cotton (Charles) – Bessemer, AL; Evangelist Annie Jewel Johnson, Apostle Sarah Files – both of Birmingham, AL

Fifteen grandchildren: Marcus Bradley (Reneda), Corey Franklin, Mannon Franklin, Giovanni Scott, Shimratia Lochamia Ataa, Kevin Thomas Sr. (Joanna), Victor Vanzant, Javonda Chester (Ruben), Drue P. Venters IV (Diana), Ronald Venters, Tiffany Venters (Ty), Christina Venters-Foster (Jason), Troy Mangum Jr. (Mary), Troshawn Mangum, and Traiana Ariyo (Oladele)

Thirty-two great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He also leaves a few very special people to cherish his memory: Henry Davis, Rev. Lorenzo Cole Jr., Landers Phelps, and Edward Cartwright.