Jerry Merritt Bradley

Jerry Merritt Bradley, 92, of Manti, Utah, passed away peacefully on Feb. 24, 2026, one day shy of his 93rd birthday. We like to think he didn’t want to risk burning the cake with all those candles, and that Mary was ready to celebrate with him again.

Jerry was born Feb. 25, 1933, in Sterling, Utah, to Merritt Ephraim and Jessie Mills Bradley. He was delivered by his grandmother, Caroline. He married his sweetheart, Mary Larane Lambertsen, on May 29, 1952, in the Manti Utah Temple. They shared 66 years of marriage before Mary passed away on Jan. 9, 2019. Together, they had seven children.

Jerry grew up in Sterling and attended Gunnison Valley High School, where he played baseball and wrestled. In 1951, he became the first wrestler at GVHS to win a state championship. Just two weeks ago, he was inducted into the GVHS Hall of Fame for that achievement, an honor he eagerly anticipated with humility and gratitude. He also wrestled for the University of Utah for two years. His love of wrestling carried on through many grandchildren who competed successfully at the state and national levels.

Jerry served in the military in Georgia, New York and England, where Mary and their two young children joined him. He and Mary later settled in Manti, where they lived for 60 years and raised their family. Their home was a gathering place, often filled with grandchildren sleeping across the living room floor.

He taught electronics at Snow College, forming lasting friendships with his students. Later, another career path took him and Mary to Israel for 18 months. While there, they attended church at the BYU Jerusalem Center and visited many sacred sites.

Jerry was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings. He and Mary served 13 years in the Manti Temple, where Jerry memorized the male speaking parts for the live sessions. They also served a mission at the Washington DC Temple.

In addition to his faith, Jerry loved wrestling, horses, and music. At 14, he bought his first guitar and taught himself to play. He won first place in his high school talent contest and performed regularly on KSVC Radio’s “King Cowboy Eight Star Request Program” in Richfield. While living briefly in Salt Lake City, he worked by day and played music in the evenings and on weekends. A skilled lead and Hawaiian steel guitarist, he received invitations to join bands across the country, even from Nashville, but chose to remain close to home and family.

He decided he wanted one more band to play with, and he picked the musicians carefully, choosing his daughters and sons as the band members, and JB’s Country Sunshine was formed. As their teacher and leader, he played with them for over 15 years at county fairs, weddings, the State Riding Club Jamboree, the Salt Palace, the Terrace Ballroom, and the Ogden Union Station Grand Ballroom.

Jerry is survived by six children and their spouses: Eddy M. Bradley; Jerry Lyn (Ron) Lloyd; Joni (Clare) Richins; Randy J. (Annie) Bradley; Judy P. Bradley; and Terry D. (Nalisa) Bradley; 32 grandchildren; 89 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and his brother, Orval Keith Bradley.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, his infant daughter, Jelanie; daughter-in-law, Kathy R. Bradley; grandsons, Patrick Lloyd and Donald J. Lloyd; twin great-granddaughters, Rin Olivia and Yuki Jun Eubanks; and siblings, Larry Bradley and Jesse Lue Bradley.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, relatives, and the dedicated staff of The Golden Skyline Assisted Living Center for the compassionate care and kindness they provided. They are also deeply thankful to the family members, friends, and community members whose love, support, and encouragement have been a source of comfort during this time.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the Manti 8th Ward (Red Church), 295 S Main. Viewings will be held at the church in Manti on Wednesday night, March 4, from 6-7 p.m. and again prior to services at the church from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Burial will be in the Manti City Cemetery with military honors.

Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti. Online guestbook and live streaming of services can be found at maglebymortuary.com under Jerry’s obituary.