Lawrence Frank Bradley - Eulogy

This was a tough one, of course, I cried all through it! But I did what I thought was right, and it was tough.

Good afternoon.  My name is Alyson Cobb Morgan.  My husband Ford and I have been friends and co-workers with Larry for many, many years.  I first met Larry at the Seminole Electric power plant in November 1982; and then met his wife, Charlotte in March of 1983.
So many have sent me messages and told me how lucky Larry and Charlotte were to have friends like Ford and I; and yet, we were the lucky ones to have them as our friends, they were always helping us, especially in our early years together. 
They were the sweetest couple and did not mind me being a third wheel at many dinners with them (before Ford), having play dates with our cats Acadia and Puck, visiting and working in their yard and they helped me with my yard. I am from Maine and did not know a thing about the “south” or Southern plants. Charlotte was the driving force to try and make southerners out of both Larry and me, and insisted I subscribe to the “Southern Living” magazine. Larry had worked at a power plant in Spain, so he enjoyed/appreciate Spanish and French red wines which, of course Ford and I enjoyed drinking their best red wines with them.
When I married Ford in 1985, they showered us with home cooked dinners and a wedding reception party at their home.  They were always so generous. 
We enjoyed our special nights out together at Sarnelli’s Italian Restaurant. For many years, Larry and Charlotte were with us for Thanksgiving, they loved smoked turkey, especially sandwiches the day after; and we always saved some for them every time Ford smoked a turkey.
We became such good friends that Charlotte flew with me to my home in Maine to help celebrate my parents 30th Wedding Anniversary in August 1985. Then, a few years later, Larry and Charlotte traveled to Maine driving their new (1988) Chevrolet convertible, visiting with my Mom and Dad, Aunt and Grandmother E-E Cobb.
Charlotte immersed herself in genealogy and she discovered that Larry and I were cousins 17 times removed – so hello, cousin Laurel.
Larry and I seemed to have a connection, even before we knew each other – we both worked for Foster Wheeler Energy Corp. right out of college, we went to a couple of the same power plants, just six years apart, meeting in person at the Seminole Electric power plant in late 1982. 
We followed each other to the JEA/FPL power plant, known as the St. Johns River Power Park (SJRPP), he actually was the one to hire me in a permanent engineering position, September of 1985, and was my boss for four of my 29 years there. He was brilliant at his job and every few years would update a presentation showing the owners how much money they made owning the plant, he would point out the efficient work of the employees, the money saving measures and then would call out the Owners on how they did not appreciate the employees’ work and the effort they put into operating the plant. 
Larry had planned to continue working, but the closing of the SJRPP changed his plans. In January 2018,  he did not retire, he was asked to be the lead member of the APTIM demolition team. So, we worked together for a few more years – we tore down the SJRPP power plant that we had operated since day one. We both retired from this wonderful power plant, we agreed it was the best one, most of the time, even with the hard work and long hours. 
So Larry did choose to retire on October 9th, 2020. Within a few months, he knew he had cancer, went through surgery and treatments. It was during this time that his beloved wife, Charlotte Keppeler, of 40 years, passed on July 26, 2021 at age 66. 
Larry continued being treated for cancer and rang the “bell” on September 1st, 2021, ending his cancer treatments. He called saying he would like to celebrate with dinner with us, we were so happy for him, that he would be eating, getting healthy and talked of walking the neighborhood to gain back some strength. Then the diagnoses came back with news that he needed further treatment, which continued until last month; he entered palliative care and then hospice care. The Haven Hospice facility here in Orange Park was amazing. When he moved in, he said that it suited him, the staff was kind and attentive and he was comfortable.  While in Hospice, we chatted about current news, the World Series, the Jaguars, and watching our favorite show, Maine Cabin Masters. What amazing strength he showed.
For Larry’s family, Larry was well respected and what an honor it was to work with him, I’d like to read some comments that others have shared with me about Larry:
And from my Maine family – they send their heartfelt condolences to the Bradley-Webster Family and to all his longtime friends. 
And many messages from his co-workers: (may or may not mention names...)
Athena Mann - So very sad to hear... he was very smart, kind, professional and indeed a “good one.” My thoughts and prayers to you and his family. May his memory be eternal.
BJ (Johnny) Walker - Dang I hate this. Larry was great to work with. He would take input from non degree holding grunts (myself included) unlike others. I loved him. And Matthew Garrison replied “that was the key to him. He would listen to us”. He was an awesome guy. He was always willing to listen and a wealth of knowledge.
Linda Bell Reid - Larry was a dear friend to me and John. He was a remarkable person, John and I always said he was the smartest person we knew. He was always ready to help anyone that asked. He will be missed.
Mark Wright - To me Larry was Mr SJRPP. By far the smartest and humble engineer I worked with at any power plant.
Mary Wiland - A precious and respected man. Humble and caring. Larry is and always will be a member of our SJRPP family. Rest in peace sweet brother.
Phillip Davis -  Never saw a problem he couldn’t fix.
And Paul Smith who gives credit to Larry for having the biggest successful impact at SJRPP power plant and a successful career.
Many others echoed these accolades; Larry was a great man to work with, a really good guy, wonderful personality, pleasant, kind, considerate, humble, a problem solver, level headed, took time to listen and talk to you, treated everyone equally and respected in so many ways.
Larry will be missed by many. Such a good spirit about him, all enjoyed working with Larry.
IN THE HOUR OF FAREWELL evening prayers by j. e. mcwhinnie
The seagulls, at this time of day, they all leave the pier and head for their nest of rest. You would think they go one by one, each at a certain time. But when the first one takes flight, the rest then follow. They head home together, Lord. They head home to rest together, my Lord.
Maybe this why Jesus said the first will be last and the last will be first. Our Christian destiny is a journey we make together. Not alone, but a wagon trail to our Promised Land. Not as soloist, but as a choir, being in harmony with one another.
Lord, I have reached that point in life where others have took to flight before me, and I pray there will be those who take to flight after me. For I do believe we are a flock of seagulls flying Home to rest in the sunset of our lifetimes. A flock of souls in one ongoing flow. Lord, teach us all how to make this flight all together, yet each soul in its time.
Romans 15:13
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Rest in Peace Larry and Charlotte.
If anyone else would like to say a few words to Larry’s family, we invite you to share your thoughts now.
After the service: Hilltop Restaurant, Wells Road.