Drex Bradshaw, born on August 31, 1938, departed this earth on December 13, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Bradshaw; and brother Dwight (a great dentist, father and husband). He was a retired Captain in the U.S. Navy. As a Naval Aviator for “29 years and 29 days”, he spent eleven years in Europe, with one tour in NATO. Drex leaves his Legacy as an outstanding Landing Signal Officer, and a dedicated husband and father. At the ripe old age of 80, Drex undertook a trial of becoming a guitar player, and upon his passing, he will continue playing in a JAM group in heaven, working toward a place in the Heavenly Symphony.

Drex was a lifelong member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Virginia Tech and his Master's Degree in Education from Old Dominion University, considering a second career in teaching until he realized he would probably be in constant trouble with the school administration.  Drex was a member of the Chuckatuck Ruritan Club and Possum Hollow Ruritan Club, the 2004-05 District Commander of the American Boating Club, member and two term Commander of the American Boating Club-Nansemond River, member of the Chesapeake Cruisers Association, the Chuckatuck Historical Society, played guitar with a local group that met every week at Christ Church in Smithfield, and in his day was an avid motorcyclist (biker). As he aged, he slowed down with his physical endeavors, but stayed busy authoring books.

Drex leaves his wife of 33 years, Joyce Fincher Bradshaw, and his one regret was that he did not meet her 30 years prior to their marriage in 1991. He also leaves a son, Drexel Andrew Bradshaw and spouse Ali and their children, Grey, Maddie, and Abby; and a daughter, Rachel Darden Bradshaw and spouse Gail and their daughter, Markala; sister-in-law, Jennifer W. Bradshaw; two nephews, Robert W. Bradshaw and wife Megan, and Arthur C. Bradshaw and wife Brenda; four great-nephews, Max, Will, Luke and Sterling; sisters-in-law, Nancy Kuzmick and husband Bob of Lusby, MD, and Diane Fincher of Suffolk; two nieces, Dr. Tamara Strouth and husband Steve Nickle of Lusby, MD, and Natalie Gerardot and husband Grant of Fairview, NC; brother-in-law, Billy Fincher of Virginia Beach; two grand-nieces, Maya Nickle and Rosa Lee Gerardot; special friends, Elizabeth Gregory, Steve and Emily Struck, Gary Evelyn Kirts, Ollie Hux, Lettie and Mike Gambacorta, and Trip Outland; and his Navy buddies at VF-114.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Dec. 20, at 1 PM at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 220 Kings Highway, Suffolk. Burial with military honors will follow at the church cemetery. Contributions may be made to Wesley Chapel UMC Building Fund, American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society.