Obituary: Bradley David Katz
Bradley David Katz, 85, died peacefully on Aug. 8, 2018.
Bradley David Katz, 85, Atlanta, died peacefully on Aug. 8, 2018. Born in Warsaw, N.C., on Aug. 10, 1932, Bradley’s parents were Simon Nathan Katz, who had emigrated to the U.S. in the late 19th century and settled in Baltimore, Md., and Ida Katz of North Carolina. Growing up in Warsaw, Bradley’s family were multi-generational merchants who owned and operated Katz Department Store for many years. After graduating from the University of North Carolina and joining the U.S. Army Reserves, Bradley enlisted in the Korean War as a sergeant. Stationed in Peru, he was assigned to tracking Russian satellite activity, including Sputnik, the world’s first artificial satellite launched in 1957. After returning home to Warsaw, it wasn’t long before Bradley was introduced to the love of his life, who eventually became his wife, Bernice Stillman, originally from Nashville, but who was living in Atlanta when they met. They married in 1962, and after a short stint in Warsaw, the couple moved to Atlanta, where Bradley and Bernice were proud to open their own ladies clothing and shoe stores, Plaza Sportwear, Plaza Footwear and Finales. Brad and Bernice worked in the store, side-by-side every day, expanding the store to three locations, which operated successfully for more than 40 years. He was also very involved in the community, serving as a Mason for more than 50 years and a member of the Sandy Springs Kiwanis Club, serving as a club past president. Over the years, Bradley enjoyed many hobbies, including collecting bronze sculptures and hand-signed prints by the artist and father of Art Deco, Erte, as well as rare coin collecting, and establishing many flourishing salt water aquariums. But some of his biggest joys – and disappointments – came as a long-time Atlanta Falcons and Hawks season ticket holder, as he cheered on and never lost faith in his beloved Falcons and Hawks teams for more than 50 years. He especially enjoyed attending games with his late wife, Bernice, and son, Stephen. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Stephen Julian and Pamela Barfield Katz; daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Scott Hartley; grandsons: Ryan and Myles Hartley. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Stillman Katz. Bradley also had many good friends who will miss him dearly. A graveside service was held at 10 am on Fri., Aug. 10 at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, Ga. 30328 with Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Kidney Foundation, American Cancer Society, or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta.
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