On June 28th, 2009, Patrick Bradbury was found off the shores in Ft. Loudon Lake at Carl Cowan Park in West Knoxville, TN. He went missing while attending a birthday party with his parents and 3 other siblings. Emergency crews from Knox County Rescue Squad, Knoxville Police Department, Knox County Sheriff’s Department, concluded the search finding his body in “around 40ft of water and thirty-five feet off the shoreline.” Patrick was the son of Paul & Whitney Bradbury along with his three brothers. Paul & Whitney Bradbury are both members of New Covenant Fellowship, where Paul serves as the Youth Pastor.
We have setup this website to honor his life, share our stories about Patrick, and to accept donations on behalf of the Bradbury family. All donations will be managed by New Covenant Fellowship located at 6828 Central Avenue Pike
Knoxville, TN 37918-9712. You can make a donation by mailing a check or donating online with our secure donation button. All donations will go directly to helping the Bradbury’s with this unexpected tragedy and to help them in this great time of need.
All posts will be moderated for the privacy and sake of the family.
Receiving Friends & Family
Thurs. July 2, 2009 @ 5:30 – 7:00
<Services will follow>
Park West Church of God
7635 Middlebrook Pike
Knoxville, TN 37909-2352
(865) 693-0144
click here for Directions
Graveside Services
Friday, July 3, 2009 @ 10:00AM
Fountain City United Methodist
212 Hotel Rd
Knoxville, TN
(865) 689-5175
click for directions
You can read or leave comments, prayers, or words of encouragement.
paul and whit i am soooooooo sorrry about patrick. i used to always call him my little man and he would always give me a hug. no matter what time of day it was or where we were at patrick loved to tell me all the storys of things he has done with his brothers and cousins. He was a very sweet,funny,cute,and energetic boy. if i could i would go back and spend alot more time with him then i got to. he loved his padre and thats all he weent to do first thing was hug padre. this was a very unexpected and quick tradegy. i have yall in my prayers and thoughts every single day. I LOVE YOU PATRICK JOESPH BRADBURRY!
I have been keeping up with this since it happened. I have made a donation in honor of your son. We live off of Conner up in Conner Apartments. We used to see you guys outside playing. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dear Whitney:
I don’t think I have seen you since high school, usually at the Friday co-op thing for homeschoolers. I’ve been in China for more than 10 years now, and have limited ability to communicate back home. But when my sister Joy told me what had happened in your family, I found a way to look it up and write. I am so sorry for the pain and loss, but so very thankful for your testimony of the grace and faithfulness of Christ. I will certainly continue to pray that He will be your comfort, and that He will magnify Himself mightly through you, your family, and the loss of your son.
Your old friend,
Miriam
We are friends of Darlene and just heard about your loss. Our prayers for all of you and our love in Jesus. It is amazing to hear the prophetic song Aaron wrote for your Patrick.
Kim and John Hislop and family
We are friends of Darlene and just heard about your loss. Our prayers for all of you and our love in Jesus. It is a blessing to hear the prophetic song Aaron wrote for your Patrick.
Kim and John Hislop and family
My heart goes out to your family. We were out of the area when this happened and we have been praying for you every since. As a mom of 4 my heart breaks for you and your family. My God bless you and comfort you!
Today at Real Life Church, I had the privledge to hear about Patrick through his grandparents Dennis and Peggy. I was moved to tears to learn of Patrick’s gift of the Spirit and love for Jesus at such a young age. My heart and prayers go out to you and I know that Patrick is busy leading his own little people group in heaven and doing even more mighty works for our Lord. He is an angel chosen by God to move mountains in heaven and earth. God Bless your family.
Brother and Sister in The Lord,
I have never met any of you, but my heart goes out to you. I am still praying for your family, it is so hard to understand. In June of 2008 a two year old I was a nanny to since his birth drowned in his family pool one evening.All I can say is God loved him more and he knew what the future held for Wilson and Patrick. I am a member at The New Beginning Church of God in Dandridge and I want to say we are praying for you all. God is still in control. and will continue to bless you and your family
Love in Christ
Connie
Dear precious friends, Mike and I grieve with and for you as you go through
the tough times. We pray the peace and mercy of our Messiah be continually with you. Your faith will get you through and remember that you have a huge
family of believers lifting you up daily. We love you.
Whitney and family
You remain in our prayers as you continue with your lives. Your family has certainly been evidence of God’s peace and grace through this experience. Though the most difficult times are yet to come, rest in the fact that God has surrounded you with numerous prayer warriors who WILL NOT FORGET to continue to lift up your family-both immediate and extended. Though Patrick is gone from you for now, God Almighty will never leave you. He will carry you through this.
our love and prayers for you all
Sara and Blake Dotson
You do not know me personally but me and my family visited your church (Russellville COG) 14 years ago. I listened to your messages and testimonies and was touched to see you so on fire for the Lord for someone as young as you were. Your lifestyle at church camp was such a testimony to me and so many other teenagers. I now see that you have not lost your zeal for the Lord. I am touched by your testimony today. I have prayed for you and your family since I heard the news the night of the accident. I now hold my children closer than ever before. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
When I was first called about what happened to Patrick, I immediately called several long time family friends to pray for you all. One of those familes was my first pastor. He has been an amazing testimony of God’s goodness and been such a great friend and Godly example to me all my life. He had a great love for children and Patrick’s story deeply touched him. He promised me that he would pray for the Bradbury family daily. And he did so, he called just on Sunday to say that he was praying for the Bradbury family. Then last night my dear friend passed away unexpectedly. The first thing I thought of was that Patrick was there to welcome my dear friend to heaven and show him straight to Jesus! What a precious thought of comfort it was to the family of my friend to think that Patrick was there to be with their loved one as he entered heaven! Patrick is truly a blessing, in life and death, to those who knew him and even those who didn’t.
God had you on my heart today even more than he has any day since the celebration service. Although I cannot begin to understand what you are going through, remember that God does. Remember that there are many people still praying for you and that we love you very much. Most importantly, God loves you. He cares deeply for you and he feels every pain that you feel just as you feel your children’s pain, only he feels so much more. Rest in his love for you and let him fill your heart with peace today.
I have no relation to any of you, but I pray that God blesses you in this time of suffering. May the Lord give you strength.
Last night i had a memory of patrick that touched me and changed my life for ever when i was at the bradbury house for a over night stay i would always sit and eat with patrick and the other kids at the kids table. it was not only because of me not having table manners or the food throwing and giggles it was the pure joy of being with pure and innocent kids. the laughter, the sillyness, the fellowship of the spirit which resided over gods children as well as the feeling of not being judged by the large portions of food on my plate or using my hands to eat. I will never ever forget those times or the family i was adopted into I love the Bradbury family i had some of the most awesome times in my life with them. I remember the dinners me and paul cooked at church and the christmas eve spent with the whole family dressed up in western out fits doing country danceing in the living room of the house on covenant circle,the looks in the eyes of the boys opening christmas gifts,the look on susies face when me and Rick brought home a rabbit, just the times spent with a family that loves you and reflects christ in all they say and do. Patrick lives on the hearts of the people he touched with those beutiful eyes and that funny smile he has blessed me beyond what can be imagined. thats how i want to remember him eating with food all over his face. I love you buddy,you live with father god now-make him smile like you did me Love, Richard Decker
I heard your story through my cousin. My heart has been going out to you from the moment I found out. I don’t know what to say except he will not be forgotten! I did not know him our your family but you have all touched my heart.
I will keep praying for Gods peace and comfort, and for His Glory to be revealed.
Your sister in Christ,
Claire
We used to go to church with Patrick’s grandparents at Morristown COG…We are certain that we may have seen him a couple of times…We are so deeply sorry for your loss. We have often been told that there is no place in one’s heart to accept losing a child, but we are thankful that you have and know our Heavenly Father that is holding you in this tragic time… soon the hustle and bustle of arrangements and funerals will be over… take time then to speak and listen to God. He will carry you!
While you do not know me, I attend First A/G in Amarillo, TX. where Russell Chandler is the Praise and Worship leader and the Youth Director. I understand that his brother and his sister in law attend your church, Our Church has and will continue to hold you and your family up in prayer. Losing a child, is the worse thing we can walk through. Only through the grace of God will you find answers. God promise He will never leave us or forsake you. This was no surprise to God, and He is still in control, if we will only let Him take the reigns and direct / lead us through the tough trials, to the other side. You are in our prayers and we are believing God for healing and restoration of your ministry, and your walk with the Lord. May God give you comfort and peace. Love, Sue {NIckell} Barnes
Paul and Whit, Darlene and Barry and Rick and Suzie,
I have worked with Paul and gone to church with the whole family for several years. I just love to see the “Bradbury boys” come into work with Daddy! They just love life so much! Patrick was a joy that only God could have created and only He can help us to understand why Patrick’s time here was so short.
My prayer for you is that He will be able to minister to each of you in the way that only He knows. That peace will cover you and that you will continue to be the great parents that you’ve always been. Zeke, Caleb and Noah couldn’t have a better family to grow up in. You are doing a wonderful job, keep up the good work! I’ve gotten to know the Grandparents much better in the last week, and each one of them is wonderful! Thank you for sharing God’s love with all of us throughout this tough time. We love you! Debbie, Jon, Jess and Mike Grimes
Dear Bradbury Family,
You guys don’t know me, but recently someone asked me to pray for you guys. I want you to know that me and my family are praying for you.
God Bless
– Sara Beth
Bradbury Family,
I want to extend my deepest sympathy for the loss of Patrick & let you know that there is a church in Wayne, OH praying for you. As you already know…God will help you thru this. I lost my 6 yr. old 14 yrs. ago. At that time I didn’t know the Lord. It was very hard to deal with. I don’t think I truely delt with it for 9 years, that is when I meet Jesus & my life changed for the better. God bless you & heal your hearts quickly.
Dear Bradbury Family,
Though we’ve never spoken personally, we know of your family through Trinity Chapel and Aaron & Beth Jones. We want you to know that our hearts are saddened by the loss of your precious son, Patrick. We are praying continually for your family. We believe with you that God, in His Infinite Wisdom and His Loving Sovereignty, will receive exceeding Glory through Patrick’s life and yours during this time. He is a beautiful son…..Forever In the Loving Arms of Jesus.
In Him,
Ron & Theresa Ziegler
Dear Bradbury Family,
Though we’ve never spoken personally, we know of your family through Trinity Chapel and Aaron & Beth Jones. We want you to know that our hearts are saddened by the loss of your precious son, Patrick. We are praying continually for your family. We believe with you that God, in His Infinite Wisdom and His Loving Sovereignty, will receive exceeding Glory through Patrick’s life and yours during this time. He is a beautiful son……In the Loving Arms of Jesus.
Is there anyway to download the song that Aaron wrote for Patrick? We attended the celebration of life that was for Patrick and have been moved ever since. I would like to have this song on my MP3 player as a reminder. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, God works in unexplainable ways.
i am so sorry. i will keep your family in my prayers. i dont know the family that well but i know you enough to know you’re all great people and he would’ve done great things. but people are put in the world for a reason. maybe he was sent to show you exactly how to be happy and strong. he is watching us all and im sure he wouldnt want anyone to be sad because he is gone but carry on the happiness he showed us.
Mr. Bradbury and family, I can’t even begin to express my deepest sorrow for what you are going through. All I can say is that God has a plan, you taught us that at Highland Hills and though sometimes it’s not easy to see He knows best. These were never things I couldn’t understand when I lost my brother as a young child but they really are true. In the days and weeks that pass, know that you and Patrick are not forgotten, that he will not only hold a special place in your heart but in the hearts of all that know you. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry I couldn’t come to the memorial service I am in the middle of chemotherapy and can’t risk my immune system too much because I am expecting my first child in three days. I hope she is as special and wonderful as Patrick was and she blesses my life as he did yours.
Paul & Whitney-you are such a blessing in so many lives & I pray that you will continue to find solace & peace in the LORD your GOD. May GOD continue to bless you & your beautiful babies. You,your family & Patrick will be in my heart&prayers always. I love you very much.
We have never met. I live in Greeneville, Tn. Before I ever realized you had ties to Greene County, my heart ached for you. For some odd reason, I could not get you off of my mind. Recently, I came across little Patrick’s obituary in our local paper. What an angel! Never have I looked at a picture and felt like I was staring into an angel’s eyes. I have a little boy named Patrick. Although we are strangers, your strength and faith in Jesus Christ is so inspiring. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as I hope you can find peace and comfort in knowing your little angel is in Heaven.
July 6
Dear Whitney ( and Paul)-
Today I found your video and was so encouraged. Our hearts were doubly broken when we learned your little son was the child in the accident.
I am remembering home schooling days and Hebrew dance with you and yours. Now life’s challenges have come in the hardest way, and I see the years of our Lord’s faithfulness to you reflected back to Him by you. And, in addition, you are even reaching out to others in love.
In this tragedy beyond our earthly understanding we are praying for you and your family. Our women’s TH morning prayer group at Two Rivers Church is also praying for you. Also for your mom, dad, and other family.
Please accept our deep concern, sympathy, and love.
Barbara and Stewart Crane
Paul, Whitney, Rick, Suzie and the whole family,
We know that words could never heal the unimaginable hurt that you have experienced at the loss of Patrick. Our heart aches for you. We have and will continue to pray for your comfort, your peace, and ultimately that God as He often does will turn a terribly bad situation into a blessing in your lives. We heard a lady give testimony in church this morning about how at 7 years old the loss of her mom to breast cancer had the most profound impact on her life next to salvation. For years she tried to avoid confrontation with pain and grief. However, God used her pain and grief and through a series of events began a ministry to grieving and hurting children in the upper Cumberland area that has been most successful and touched many lives for God. I don’t know what the future holds for you but as we say, I know who holds the future. You have all impacted the lives of so many people for God, including mine and my families’. I know He will use the loss of Patrick in a mighty way for His glory. We haven’t kept in touch but we will never forget the privilege of crossing paths with you in our lives. Rest assured that God is on the move in our lives as well here in the Cookeville area. Thank you for the love and encouragement you’ve shown us. We pray that the Lord would begin to use you for His glory as never before, that your marriages and families would be blessed and that He would give you wisdom and insight and blessings beyond measure.
God Best,
Joe, Angela, Charity, and Caleb Brown
Darlene, Barry, Whitney, Brandon, and the rest of your family…I am so sorry to hear of little Patrick’s death.
Dear Paul and Whitney and boys
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. two years ago
on July 8th we found our beloved son Doug dead in his apartment, He had
been dead for 4 days so he passed away on July 5th. This is a sad day
for us today.
We can understand your shock and loss id anyone can. He was our baby
even though he was 43 years old at the time, It was still a shock. But the
Lord is so good. Patrick is in heaven with the Lord right now and one day
you will see him again. He was a beautiful boy.
Only GOD can bring you peace and comfort. We could not be there
but you were in our prayers. Healing will come in time. I will be in
touch. We love you very much. Jerry and Anne
We just recently learned of this tragedy through our son who lives in the Knoxville area. We are so sorry for your loss. Although we are distant family residing in another state and related on the maternal side (Whitney is a second cousin), we still feel the pain and sorrow when one of our children is lost. Please give our love to all the family during this sad and difficult time.
Steve and Lupe Archer
Dearest Paul and Whitney, I thank God for what your have manifested to the Body of Messiah. Many years ago I have never forgotten a sermon Pastor Hugh Statum gave about Job saying, like Job we are to be “God’s Exibit A”. Patrick’s Celebration of Life has truely kicked the enemy of our souls square in the face. Your response to this most extreme suffering must be a HUGE BILLBOARD to all of us. Your response to this severest of sufferings proves that you were chosen to truely be “God’s Exibit A”, to show us first hand how we must respond to the coming crisis. It is my prayer that all of us that are grieving with you will learn this lesson well.
You have demonstrated before our eyes that the LOVE, PEACE and MERCY of Yeshua, Jesus, are not just nice concepts but a tangible reality. You are showing us how to respond when crisis, suffering and the storms of life will touch each of us.
The “chuppah” wedding canopy you were married under speaks of being covered by the Lord God Almighty, but with all sides open, our lives are to be a witness to the world that as the storns of life blow upon all, the world will SEE the Profound Difference being COVERED by the Almighty’s LOVE can make. I know that as “God’s Exibit A” you are not just teaching believers this truth, but I know a great harvest of unbelievers will come running to you crying “I need what you have!” To God be the Glory!!!
May we also allow the profound experience of Patrick’s life to draw us so close to Yeshua, Jesus, that when we are called on to be His witnesses, we will have the grace to follow your example to “Lift Yeshua, Jesus, Up, because the promise is “All men will be drawn to Him” . ( May we never waste our sorrows.) EMMANUEL Beloved, I have seen the face of Yeshua in your eyes, and am profoundly changed. I love you! Thank you for your obedience and faithfulness. BaShem Yeshua, Tsidkanu Adonai, cHannah
I am so sorry for your loss.when we don’t understand God does.
He is our rock and shelter in times of storms. I will be praying
for your family.Your family has a great love for the Lord .I can tell by
your faith and strength in the Lord ,written in these comments.
May the Lord Jesus Christ be with you and the lives your precious child
has touched.
My Prayers and Thoughts are with each of you.Love in Christ.
charlotte shields
We are so so sorry to hear of the loss of your son and will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. I can’t even begin to comprehend the pain you are feeling ..
Altough we have never met before we are related thru Ruth Bradbury and my Grandmother Edna(Nelson) Durand.
Deepest Regards,
Robert Durand Jr.And Family.
Dear Bradbury’s,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, but how blessed is Patrick in his gain. Almost a year ago I met a sweet Christian family who had almost an identical story. Nearly the only difference were their names. They lost their sweet son, Christian as he was nearing his 4th birthday also. He wondered away and drowned. Marsha and her husband have handled it all so well and although they grieve and miss him dearly, they find much comfort in Christ and the assurance that he is caring for Christian. Their blog is: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/drewsfamilytx
I thought this might be of help and support to you and her also. Blessings and prayers for you all.
In Christ,
Megan
Dear Bradbury Family,
I am so sorry for the heartache and pain that you are going through right now.
I do know somewhat of the pain that you are going through as my youngest son Christian passed away 10 months ago in a drowning accident at our home. I can testify that through this most difficult trial, God has been ever faithful! He has always given much grace when much grace was needed.
I am praying for each of you– for God to give you grace and strength for the day, wisdom with your children, and a peace that passes all understanding!
Love in Christ,
Marsha
PS If ever you need a listening ear, please feel free to e-mail me any time. Or you can read about my journey through grief on my blog.
I Thessalonians 4:13-18
Paul, Ricky, Susie, Mr. and Mrs. Davis, and other Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the death of your precious little boy. My sisters (Christina and Angie) and I practically grew up with Paul and Johnny. We lived in Greene County right in front of Mr. and Mrs. Davis’ house and were also taken to Russellville and many other churches by them. We also adored being led my Ricky as young children and also adored Susie and the whole family, too. I really don’t know if I would even be going to church if it wasn’t for the influences of Brother and Sister Davis and Ricky. They all influenced me to live everyday for the Lord . I also saw the video that was created by the news station. It was definitely a touching thing to watch. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Atleast, you know that one day you will see Patrick in heaven. Just also know that Jesus is holding Patrick in his loving arms.
DeAnna Patterson
Patrick Joseph Bradbury a fun loving boy
is now with Jesus and has much more joy.
His momma, daddy, brothers, and family will miss him so much.
As time goes by, Lord, their lives please continue to touch.
As a newborn babe they gave Patrick to God.
“He’s yours Lord” they both said as they did nod.
As Patrick grew he loved to play.
His blue eyes sparkled as he went through the day.
I’ve heard he loved to play cowboy
and he loved one other thing that he really enjoyed.
That one thing is something we all need to learn.
And that is something that we should learn to love to yearn.
While on earth Patrick loved to pray.
Lord teach us too to do the same each day.
Because it’s only as we learn on earth to do this
that we will more fully understand heaven’s bliss.
Now Patrick can talk to Jesus in His arms
as he more fully enjoys heaven’s charms.
Play and Pray was Patrick’s life theme.
Thank you Lord for allowing him to be part of the Bradbury team.
ANG
July 3, 2009
Mr. & Mrs. Bradbury, My heart is full of prayers in your honor for the lose of your son. Only God knows why & as you know He is never wrong in what He desides, as hard as that may be to take in please know that our Lord has it all taken care of & He will fill your heart with the need that you have for this moment. We will be praying for you & for your family & please know that we love you as sisters & brothers in Christ
I don’t know this family but I have read what happened to this little boy. He is now with the angels watching over his family. I know no words can bring him back but he will forever be in his family’s hearts . He now has wings into God’s kingdom.So sorry for your loss. I coulsn’t image losing a child.
July 3, 2009
Rick and Susie, I was glad I had the opportunity to visit with some of the family for a brief moment on Wednesday. My heart is with the you and my prayers will continue for youe peace, comfort and endurance during this time. May the Lord continue to hold you in the strength of His power. God Bless and love.
Sharon Welch
We are praying for your family all the way up here in Indiana.
We have stood in prayer for you as we know you are going through a hard time. We saw the video online of the parents testimony through this. God is the only one that can give us peace. We are your family in Christ, and we weap with you, but we also praise God with you in this time. We know your little boy is in heaven…. and what satan meant to harm you, that God can use this for good, and many will be saved and come to the knowledge of God and his saving grace through your son.
Praise God, because we know that Patrick is in heaven.
Love, and Prayers
The Martin’s
Paul and Whitney,
My heart breaks for your loss. I wanted to be there for the memorial and receiving of friends, but had to work. I keep seeing little Patrick in the bed babies looking up at the close circuit tv and hollaring “Daddy!” every time Paul would get up to minister. Then he would try to run after Daddy. I’ll miss him. I’m so sorry. May the comfort, peace and grace of the Holy Spirit overshadow and overtake you and your family.
We Love You
Vicki
I am Sorry for your loss words can not express how your family is feeling right now. I didn’t know your family but I just felt I needed to say something I have a one year old son and couldn’t imagine loseing him . My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of need.
We can not begin to comprehend what you are going through in this time of loss. Our prayers will be with your family even though we don’t even know you. We want you to know that you have been an awesome whitness for the Lord during this time by showing your faith and trust in Him through the good times and the bad. God bless you all.
In Christ,
Nick & Stacey Blevins
Paul, Whitney and family, we are just overwhelmed with grief for you. But we truly admire your faith in our Lord…what a testimony you are! One of my favorite passages of Scripture is from Lamentations 3 where we are reminded that the Lord’s mercies are new every morning. I just wanted to let you know that I’m going to be praying this for you guys in the coming days…He gives us grace as we need it and I’m going to be praying that He continues to pour that grace, comfort and peace on you in tremendous amounts and in ways you could never imagine. Much love and many prayers!!
Bradbury Family,
Though we have never met, my Sister is a friend of Julie Bradbury and she called me last night to ask me to pray for Patrick. I did pray and I will continue to pray for all of you. I pray that God will keep his hand on your family and that you always ask God for his help. I pray that God brings peace for your family and your other children. I pray that Patrick’s memory brings smiles and not tears.
I am sincerely sorry to hear about this tragedy and will pray for your family. Patrick is among the angels.
Yours in Christ,
Jamey
My thoughts & prayers are with your family at this very difficult time. I do not personally know this family, but I am so terribly sorry for your loss.