Bradley S. Ratledge

East Bend – Bradley S. Ratledge, 64, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Brad was born January 27, 1962 in Forsyth County to James “Pete” and Dorothy Ann “Dot” Ratledge. From an early age he gravitated toward all things mechanical. After high school he attended Nashville Auto Diesel College achieving an all-time high score on comprehensive testing which he held for over two decades and graduated in the top of his class. He was honored to be one of the youngest inductees in the Nashville Auto Diesel College Hall of Fame in 2010. He enjoyed retuning to Nashville to ride through the city, checking out old handouts and finding new ones. His love of fast cars and music carried on.

His career moved from automotive to heavy equipment. Brad worked with Vulcan Materials Company for 32 years before retiring. He supported maintenance and repair operations from Georgia to Pennsylvania. Along the way many valued friendships developed between corporate vendors, service and support providers as well as other divisions in the United States. When not working, Brad enjoyed woodworking, hunting, gardening, music, and best of all pulling pranks, jokes and laughter. One of his favorite things was grilling. He loved to have friends, family and neighbors over to enjoy a meal and share stories. He loved his family dearly.

Brad was preceded in death by his father and a special friend Ralph Brinkley. Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Amanda Adams Ratledge; his son, James “Tyler” Ratledge and wife Kim; three grandchildren who were his greatest joy, Annabell, Harper, and James “Reece” Ratledge; his mother; and brother, Eric Ratledge. Special extended family Evelyn Tate, Dale, Dee and Zach Hoots, and Amber Hoots (Mike) Jennings.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in East Bend. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to school lunch programs or charity of donor’s choice. Thanks to the many friends across the United States who connected and sent their love and prayers.

You know you’ve had a great life when instead of a slow ride you slide to a stop and exclaim, “It was a hell of a ride!”. Brad never wanted any slow ride or sad music, so take a spin and turn up the music until meeting again.

Gentry Family Funeral Service in East Bend is serving the Ratledge family.