Please Keep Brad Bradley And His Family In Your Prayers

[50's PONY]

There is an obit in the Dallas Morning News today for Betty Bradley. Betty is the wife of Brad Bradley. In 1947 Brad was working in Ft. Worth and met Betty Laughead and they soon got married. Betty was the daughter of Jim Laughead. Soon after their marriage Jim invited Brad to go into the photography business with him. That fall they were hired to start taking pictures for SMU Athletics. This was Doak's first full year back from the service and what a year it was as SMU went undefeated and played Penn State in the 1-1-48 Cotton Bowl game. Soon after that they opened their office on Hillcrest directly acrosss from SMU -- and the rest is history. Years later, after Jim died, Brad just kept going by himself. Today, in his middle 80's, Brad is still taking pictures for the SMU Athletic Department. Brad, Betty, and their children, Iris and Jimmy, have always loved SMU.
When you think about all of SMU's great athletes that Jim and Brad took pictures of it is truly unbelieveable. Heritage Hall is now close to having 3000 pictures online and I am guessing that at least 80-85% were taken by Jim and Brad.
This is truly a sad day for Brad, Iris, Jimmy, and SMU as we ask the good Lord above to keep them in his arms. This family is truly a large part of SMU's history so that is why I am asking you to keep them in your prayers.
Gerry York
SMU Heritage Hall

[PoconoPony]

I fondly recall having "action" pictures taken by Jim and Brad at SMU. In fact they did a huge number of preseason photos for virtually all of the SWC, SEC and Big 8 athletic teams and specifically football. One football coach once remarked to me that they feared Laughhead team photo day because they suffered more injuries diving, jumping...etc. than they did in most games. Both knew virtually all the football team members of the various teams and would extoll them to create a real action shot to be captured on film. This took a huge amount of talent to snap the picture at the instant of the desired pose with none of the high speed technology and photo shopping that is possible today. Truly remarkable photographers both.

[Special_Delivery_Smu_Fans]

Thank you for posting this. I would have missed this. Condolences to the family.

[BIGHORSE]

condolences to a member of the mustang family.

[Mustangunner]

Sad day for both smu and highland park. Mr. Bradley and his family have been a staple in the community for decades.

[that's great raplh]

life is a miracle

i am sorry for your loss

thank you for doing what you do for smu

peace