John Bradshaw Obituary

Dr. John William Bradshaw, Jr.

March 18, 2026

Dr. John William Bradshaw, Jr., went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 18, 2026. Born in Bristol, Virginia, John was the beloved son of the late John William Bradshaw, Sr., and Iona Statzer Bradshaw.

John's life was a testament to faith, service, dedication, and love. He met the love of his life, Karen Byrd Bradshaw, in the first grade, beginning a lifelong love story that spanned more than six decades. Together, they shared 63 years of marriage filled with faith, devotion, family, steadfast partnership, and love.

John graduated from Tipton Hill High School in North Carolina, and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. During his military service, he attained the rank of Captain and was stationed in Germany-an experience that deeply shaped his character and sense of duty.

John's academic and professional journey was closely tied to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an institution he dearly loved. A lifelong Tar Heels fan, he earned both his undergraduate degree and his Doctorate in Dental Science from UNC. If you listen closely you may hear him say, Go TARHEELS. Following his military service, he returned to Chapel Hill to complete his Master's degree in Orthodontics. John went on to faithfully serve his community as a respected and compassionate orthodontist for more than forty years, leaving a lasting impact on countless patients and families.

A man of strong faith and service, John was a devoted member of Boones Creek Covenant Brethren Fellowship. He was also an active member of the Johnson City Rotary Club and the American Dental Association, reflecting his commitment to both his profession and his community.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved son, David Sean Bradshaw; and his sister, Julia Bradshaw Deyton.

He is survived by his cherished wife of 63 years, Karen Byrd Bradshaw, of the home; his son, Dr. Daniel W. Bradshaw and wife Vanessa of Johnson City, Tennessee; two daughters, Dawn Bradshaw Emmich and husband Tom, and Deidre Bradshaw Foster and husband John, all of Charlotte, North Carolina; and his treasured grandchildren, Sydney Bradshaw, Jalyn Westmoreland, Luke Westmoreland, Tyler Walker, Jack Emmrich and Sara Gibson, Bill and Caitlin Emmrich, Evangeline Foster, and John William Foster "Jack", one great grandchild, Millie; along with several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

A memorial service celebrating John's life will be held on Saturday, March 28, at 1:00 p.m. at Boones Creek Covenant Brethren Fellowship, 122 Bart Greene Drive, Johnson City, TN.

Henline–Hughes Funeral Service in Bakersville, NC is honored to be assisting the Bradshaw family.