Max David Bradshaw, born July 12, 1933, in Clinton, NC, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2024, in Union Grove, NC. He lived a life filled with love, laughter, and a spirit of adventure that touched everyone around him.

Max proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as a Medic from 1951 to 1956, during which time he met the love of his life, Ruth Newton, and they married in 1953 on May 28, where they became Mr. and Mrs. Bradshaw and remained married for 71 years (to death do us part). In the Air Force, he played semi-professional baseball as a center fielder where it was common for him to throw from the fence to home plate without a cut-off man. His dedication to service, commitment, and sportsmanship was a testament to his character. After leaving the military, Max embarked on a successful career as a salesman for RenaWare, an international cookware company, where he was recognized as one of the top salesmen for nearly two decades, earning the most prestigious accolades the company offered.

With a love for fishing, passed down from his father, Max would drop a pole at the pier, a surf rod at the ocean, or out on a boat, but he especially loved using a large gill net. One of his favorite stories was the day he and some family took a gill net out at Wrightsville Beach. In just 30 minutes, their net was so full of fish they needed to pull it in with a jeep, catching nearly 100 blues that day—a memory which will always bring a smile.

Max was known for his unwavering optimism and joyful demeanor. He approached life's challenges with a smile, always finding a way to overcome obstacles without anger or worry. His love for humor shone brightly; he delighted in telling jokes that could bring laughter to anyone, continuing this tradition until his last days, even when he struggled to remember the punchlines.

Max’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 3:00 PM at Plainview PFWB Church in Clinton, NC, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. There will be a viewing from 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM just before the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Dallas Plemmons Ministries, P.O. Box 2213, Virginia Beach, VA 23450, USA, or via email at dpministries2010@gmail.com. This was Max’s favorite ministry as they started building orphanages and schools in Haiti and then continued the same in other third world countries. A donation to them would not only be encouraged by Max, but many lives will be positively impacted by your generosity.

Max is survived by his loving family: his wife of 71 years, Ruth Bradshaw; his four sons and their wives, David (Genie), Darrell (Vicky), Les (Debbie), and Greg (Rebecca); 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and his younger sister, Faye Gaddy; as well as many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind countless friends who will remember him for his warmth, laughter, and the indelible mark he left on their lives. He will be greatly missed but fondly remembered.