Adrian Bradley Dozier

A. Bradley Dozier, 86, of Matthews, NC, formerly of Hickory, died on Friday, January 10, 2025 at Matthews Glen Retirement Community. He was born on September 21, 1938 in Rocky Mount, NC to the late Ollin Kemp Dozier, Sr. and Cornelia Cutchin Bradley Dozier.

Bradley was a veteran of the US Navy, serving on the destroyer USS McCaffry. After his two-year stint in the Navy, he attended Louisburg College before enrolling in UNC-Chapel Hill, where he joined Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. It was at UNC that he met his future bride, Stephanie “Stevi” Slate of High Point. They were married on June 8, 1963.

After graduation, Brad began a long, successful career in sales, first for thirteen years with 3M Corporation. After moves to Charlotte, NC, Florida, Hickory, NC, Minnesota and Missouri, Brad and Stevi decided to return South (and to warmer weather). He began another successful sales career at Shurtape Technologies, LLC, retiring in 2003 as Vice-President of Sales.

During his many years in Hickory, Brad was an avid tennis and golf player. He was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension. He was an enthusiastic volunteer for the Salvation Army, responsible for hanging the Christmas lights at the annual Christmas event, and for delivering Meals On Wheels; he greatly appreciated the opportunities to help.

His greatest pleasure was working -for twenty-eight years- as “Chief Peanut Boiler” at the

annual October Hart’s Square Festival. He took this task seriously; he grew a temporary beard, dressed in 1840 style clothing, and boiled up to 200 pounds (with help) of peanuts for two days. His peanuts were a crowd favorite.

Bradley is survived by his wife, Stevi, his daughter, Stephanie (Douglas) and son A. Bradley Dozier, Jr. (Amy). He also leaves four cherished grandchildren: Miles Pilkington, Charles (Trena) Kirkman, Nancy Kirkman and Sabritt Dozier. In addition, he leaves his loved in-laws Wayne and Cynthia Burris and Joe and Candy Slate, as well as his Godson, Jim Shuford.

Bradley was a man who understood the joys of simple pleasures and consequently had a very happy life.

A memorial service will be held in Hickory at 3 pm on Friday, February 21, 2025, at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension on 726 First Avenue NW. The family will receive friends in the parish hall after the service. Any memorials may be made to Hart Square Foundation, Inc. 5055 Hope Road, Vale, NC 28168 or Meals On Wheels 1701 Main Street, Hickory, NC 28601

Neptune Society in Charlotte is assisting the family. Condolences may be made through www.neptunesociety.com