Bradley "Brad" Aris Bartholomew

HENDERSON-Bradley Aris “Brad” Bartholomew, 59, died unexpectedly on Saturday May 21, 2022 in his lifelong hometown of Henderson, NC. He was the only child of proud parents Ann Foster Bartholomew and the late Rufus Aris “R. A.” Bartholomew Jr. (1940-2021). Brad is survived by his mother, his wife of 34 years, Pamela Miller Bartholomew, daughter Miller Bartholomew Care (Justin), aunt Uldine Foster Duckworth (Lewis), cousin Fleet Crews, godson Matthew Crane, and goddaughter as well as niece Annie Wittenberg. He is also survived by mother-in-law, Joyce Davis Miller, sisters-in-law, Kathy Miller Eaton (Rick) and Debbie Miller Wittenberg, nephews and nieces Bill Eaton, Amy Eaton Suggs (George), and John Wittenberg. Brad was a graduate of Vance Senior High School and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill where he received a Bachelors Degree in Economics. In his job Brad was exceptional because he incorporated building relationships into his daily life. He cultivated friendships and good working relationships all over the state as he went about his day. Brad was the Director of Technology and Training for Builders Discount Center of Rocky Mount, NC, and enjoyed traveling to all 11 store locations. In turn, Builders Discount Center was not only his workplace, but its people became like second family to him for the last 19 years. It is also not surprising that he made friends and close acquaintances with the locals in the towns he frequented. He was not only known for his business savvy, but also for his quick wit and humor. Brad was a beloved son, husband, father, and family member. Uncle Brad could build or fix anything and was often credited with all of the toys received by his nephews and nieces at Christmas and on their birthdays. He graciously and without measure shared his talents and wisdom with family. Brad was Miller’s dad, but he was also a father figure for many of Miller’s cousins and friends. He generously gave invaluable support and advice to all who asked and on occasion, to some who didn’t ask but needed it. Brad was a generous caregiver. Besides family, Brad was a gregarious person and left behind many lifelong friends as well as recent friends that feel as if they have known him forever. People enjoyed talking and listening to him speak. He was never at a loss for words and kind acts, and that’s another reason he was so beloved. He enjoyed lots of hobbies and interests with family and friends. Among these, Brad loved being in his happy place boating on Kerr Lake, riding ATVs in the mountains of West Virginia, and tinkering on British and classic cars. The highlights of his life were his marriage to Pam Miller that began in 1987 and his devoted parenting of Miller with Pam for 23 years. Miller’s 2021 marriage to Justin Care with so many family members and friends in attendance was the happiest and proudest moment of Brad and Pam’s lives together. This united Miller with the love of her life and gave her sisters, a brother, and another set of parents that she doesn’t know how she ever lived without. Brad lived a big life in his brief 59 years and cultivated a community of family and friends who will miss and remember his every day. He left little bits of himself everywhere for those that loved him. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 25th, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Liberty Christian Church by Rev. Brett Marlowe. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. At other times they will be at the home. Serving as pallbearers will be John Coghill, Mike Garrett, Dave Shaffer, David Crane, Tom Pernell, William Knight, Jonathan Care, Glenn Perry, and John Mercer. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Managers/Assistant Managers of the Builders Discount Center Stores and his ATV riding group. In memory of Brad, donations may be made to paws4people, 1121C-324 Military Cutoff Rd, Wilmington, NC 28405 [please reference Miller-TOBY with your donation], or Rebuilding Hope, 414 Raleigh Road, Henderson, NC 27537.