Charles “Marvin” Bradley

WHITAKERS - Charles "Marvin" Bradley, 83, passed away on Monday, February 7, 2022 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington after a brief illness. Born in Nash County, NC on June 16, 1938, he was the son of the late Raymond Richard Bradley, Sr. and Aleph Benton Jones Bradley. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Eva Alice Bradley, his son, Stephen Bailey Atwill; his brother, Raymond Richard Bradley, Jr.; and sisters, Jean Bradley Brooks and Frances Bradley Woodard. Marvin was a lifelong member of Whitakers United Methodist Church where he was actively involved all his life. He graduated from Whitakers High School and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill where he was a proud and lifelong member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Marvin served honorably in the United States Army while stationed at Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC for the duration. He lived a most wonderful life and was busy and active until the end. Marvin was an accomplished skier on both water and snow. He cherished his time spent on the water at Lake Gaston skiing and dancing with his many friends and the winter trips to Steamboat, CO to ski with his immediate and extended family. In his younger years, he attended the Summer Ski School at Cypress Gardens, FL where he honed his skills at slalom, barefoot, and ski jumping. Marvin inherited his father's love of horses and owned several nice steeds throughout his life. He was an expert gardener and loved time spent manicuring his various lawns. Marvin was quite the Bridge player and cherished the heated games with Rue Betts, Bill Cutchin, and many great friends. He took after his mother with a love for antiques and had a special ability to always find a perfect piece for a certain place. Marvin married Eva Alice Atwill and family and they maintained a home in Whitakers all their lives. They also built a wonderful home in Wrightsville Beach and in later life it became their social center. Marvin is survived by his son, William Edwards Atwill of Lynchburg, VA; his daughter, Eva Atwill Robbins and her husband Willard Canby Robbins, III of Greensboro, NC, his grandson, Charles Bishop Robbins and fiance Jenna Leigh Barnes of Greensboro, NC; his daughter, Eva Alice Robbins of Livingston, MT; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family extends a special heartfelt thank you to a dear family friend, Thelma Edmundson, whose love and care for Eva Alice and Marvin are immeasurable. Your presence was comforting and reassuring to both. Also, a special thank you to Betty Dixon and Leslie Pittman for their love and support for Eva Alice and Marvin in Whitakers, Wrightsville Beach, and Wilmington and making the numerous trips to the doctors' offices and hospitals with them. It provided them with comfort and peace. A Graveside Service to celebrate Marvin's life will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Whitakers Cemetery with Pastor Steve Bradley officiating. A visitation with the family will follow the service at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Marvin's memory to the Whitakers United Methodist Church, PO Box 276, Whitakers, NC 27891. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Whitakers Cemetery Hwy 33 East Whitakers, NC 27891 Saturday 2/12, 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm A visitation with the family will follow the service at the graveside. Service Whitakers Cemetery Hwy 33 East Whitakers, NC 27891 Saturday 2/12, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm A Graveside Service to celebrate Marvin's life will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Whitakers Cemetery with Pastor Steve Bradley officiating. Cemetery Whitakers Cemetery Hwy 33 East Whitakers, NC 27891 Saturday 2/12, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm A Graveside Service to celebrate Marvin's life will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Whitakers Cemetery with Pastor Steve Bradley officiating.