Ayden “Bud” Ray Bradley, 14, of Rocky Mount, MO passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Bud was born on January 11, 2012, in Simferopol, Ukraine the son of Kelly and Regina (Gutzman) Bradley.
Bud’s presence brought an incredible amount of joy to everyone, fortunate enough to know him. He had a contagious smile that could brighten any room, and his laughter and happiness had a way of spreading to the people around him. He was truly one of those special souls who made the world a little brighter simply by being in it.
Family meant everything to him. He especially adored his sisters and treasured the time he spent with them. He was also an amazing uncle, taking great delight in being around his nieces and nephews. He had a special love for children, and especially for babies. His gentle nature and genuine happiness around little ones showed just how much love he had in his heart.
Music was another great source of happiness for him. He loved to dance, and there was nothing quite like seeing him move to his favorite songs. Imagine Dragons and Dolly Parton were among his favorite artists, and whenever their music played, he was ready to dance and have a good time.
Bud had a wonderful collection of favorite things and interests that made him uniquely himself. He loved The Goonies and could enjoy a Baby Ruth candy bar. He loved chickens and pigeons, and he enjoyed collecting rubber ducks. Bert and Ernie were special favorites, bringing him comfort and happiness.
He loved adventures with his family, whether that meant hiking, traveling, or simply spending time together making memories. He especially enjoyed going to the races at Lucas Oil Raceway in Wheatland, MO. Monster trucks and Jeeps fascinated him, and he was proud to be part of the Jeep club in Springfield, MO.
Sports were another important part of his life. He played baseball with the Miracle League in Springfield, MO, where he got to experience the joy, excitement, teamwork, and pride that comes with being part of a team. He also played basketball through Special Olympics, creating even more memories and friendships along the way.
Bud was currently a student at Camdenton High School, where he was known and loved by those around him. Everywhere he went, he had a way of making connections and bringing smiles to others.
Although his time with us was much too short, the love he shared will never be forgotten. His memory will live on in every song that makes us dance, every Baby Ruth, every rubber duck, every Jeep, every race, every baseball and basketball game, every adventure with family, and every smile that reminds us of him.
In his honor, please bring a rubber duck to the service. Let each little duck be a symbol of the joy, uniqueness, and happiness he brought into the lives of everyone he met.
He will forever be loved. He will forever be missed. And he will forever be remembered.
Survivors include: his loving parents Kelly and Regina Bradley, three sisters, Dawna Thomas (Cody), Kalyn Berry (Layne) and Abby Bradley; maternal grandmother, Sara Prutzman, paternal grandparents, Bruce and Jacquelin Bradley; aunts and uncles, Donnovan and Kandi Bradley, Michael and Amanda Bradley, Jimmy Gutzman and Jody and Robby Williams; nieces and nephews, Conner Stephens, Adalyn Bradley, Paislee Thomas, Zelda Berry and Casper Berry and several cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Jimmy Gutzman.
Visitation will be on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at First Assembly of God Church, 1086 Business Rte 5, Camdenton, MO. Funeral service will follow at the church at 6:00 pm with Pastor Greg Mills officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Epic Adventures, c/o First Assembly of God Church, 1086 Business Rte 5, Camdenton, MO 65020.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 514 State Hwy 42, Osage Beach, MO 65065.
