Bradlee Manson Obituary

Upon meeting Brad, you knew you had a friend who would never forget you. His quick smile and gentle humor instantly put people at ease. Children gravitated to him, especially his eleven nieces and nephews and their twenty children.
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, to Bradlee Robert Manson, Sr, and Maryan Hughes Manson, Brad was the eldest of six children. He worked at the Sears store in Valley View Mall for 38 years, where it seemed that everyone knew his name. As an adult, Brad gave much of his time and energy to serving children with muscular dystrophy. He volunteered at the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association summer camp, and he was an assistant scoutmaster for BSA Troop 1103, a troop that enrolled boys with muscular dystrophy and gave them opportunities to develop leadership, camping, and other skills. For this work, Brad received several honors, including the Silver Beaver Scout award, Vigil membership in the Order of the Arrow, and Volunteer of the Year from the City of Dallas.
In 2000, Brad moved to College Station to be close to his sister Michèle Gorman; her husband, Greg Gorman; and their children, Courtney, Monica, and David. His mother and brother Patrick soon joined him there. Brad worked in the Texas A&M food service department. Among the many friends he made were Kim Rust and her children, Amanda Austin, Kyle Austin, and Kara Rust. With Kim and her family, he enjoyed Caribbean cruises, tailgating at Aggie football games, attending festivals, and cheering on Kara as she played in her high school marching band. He helped to financially support Kara as she graduated with a bachelor's degree in public administration from Texas State University. Kyle has fond memories of Brad teaching him how to shave. Even after he moved away, Brad made sure every return visit included a trip out to the Gorman property in Somerville to feed the goats and donkey.
After retiring, Brad moved to Durham in 2018 with his sister Barbara to be close to his niece Marigny Bratcher; her husband, Joshua Bratcher; and their newborn son, Amzie. He found great joy in his time as both a volunteer and a client at Reality Ministries of Durham. He frequently visited his sister Elizabeth and her children and grandchildren in Leesburg, Virginia, where he helped with carpools and his great-niece's Irish dance lessons, becoming part of their busy lives there. In his last months, he became a beloved part of the community at Calyx Assisted Living and even at Hillcrest Convalescent Center where he resided for rehabilitation to recover from injuries related to a fall.
Brad enjoyed TV, puzzles, and games, and he was fascinated by history, especially history of the US West. One often found him reading, nose-deep in a history book. But Brad's special delight was people. He never met a stranger, and he loved to joke and chat. When someone needed help, he stopped whatever he was doing to help. For these reasons, he excelled in the volunteer work that he threw himself into during every phase of his life. He liked people, and he liked them fully for who they are and without question. He never said an unkind word.
Born into a world that didn't understand what is now called the neurodivergent, Brad realized that some people didn't understand how he thought and that some grew impatient with his pace, but Brad never truly lost patience with those people. He extended a grace some never extended to him. Anyone who met him soon realized that Brad was calling them into a more relaxed and caring space.
Brad is survived by his siblings, Barbara Manson of Durham; Elizabeth Rice of Leesburg, Virginia; Michèle Gorman of College Station, Texas; and Michael Manson of Chevy Chase, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Patrick Manson of College Station.
A Requiem Mass will be celebrated July 12, 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Grace, Greensboro. Interment will follow at a date to be determined at Restland Cemetery in Dallas, Texas, next to his brother Patrick and his parents.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Reality Ministries, Durham, NC, which so seamlessly integrated Brad into their supportive and Christ-centered community. More information about this exceptional organization can be found at realityministriesinc.org.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Bradlee, please visit our Tree Store.