Obituary for Bradley S. "Brad" Harkleroad
Harkleroad, Bradley Scott, 52, died unexpectedly yet peacefully with his family at his side in Louisville, Kentucky, on Wednesday, July 13, 2022.
He was born August 28, 1969, with Down syndrome and through the love and persistence of his parents, Jackson Zane and Patricia (Cross) Harkleroad, Brad was able to accomplish anything he set his mind to. He had a love and zest for life like no other.
From a young age, Brad was drawn to sports and athletics. His parents installed a pool in their backyard so he could learn to swim. At age 8, he was introduced to Special Olympics Kentucky and became a life-long Special Olympian. Over the years, he ran track and field, played basketball and softball and participated in equestrian and bowling, but it was in the swimming pool and in alpine skiing where he excelled. He was a great freestyle swimmer, but the butterfly was his stroke. He attended the 1985 World Winter Games in Park City, Utah and the 1991 World Summer Games in Minneapolis. He was also chosen to participate in the World Down Syndrome Swimming Games in Portugal in 2008. Brad won dozens of medals for his mastery over the course of his athletic career.
Brad was also active in square dancing and participated in many Handicapable Square Dancing Conventions across the country. He also enjoyed playing the hand bells. When he was not participating in sports or other activities, Brad loved listening to music, especially The Beach Boys and Chicago. He was an avid fan of the Kentucky Wildcats. He also took great pride in being able to fold pizza boxes for Papa John’s Pizza, a skill he picked up in his day program following his graduation from Oldham County High School in 1991.
Aside from his parents, Jack and Pat, Brad is also survived by his aunt Mary and uncle Franklin “Red” Anderson of Ooltewah, Tenn.; an uncle, Ben (Teresa) Cross of Monroe, Mich.; an aunt Lou Ann Harkleroad of Decatur, Ga. and many cousins and other cherished family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Brad Harkleroad’s name to Special Olympics Kentucky, 105 Lakeview Court Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.
Visitation will take place from 12 to 2 p.m. ET on Monday, July 18 with a service to follow at 2 p.m. at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40205.
He was born August 28, 1969, with Down syndrome and through the love and persistence of his parents, Jackson Zane and Patricia (Cross) Harkleroad, Brad was able to accomplish anything he set his mind to. He had a love and zest for life like no other.
From a young age, Brad was drawn to sports and athletics. His parents installed a pool in their backyard so he could learn to swim. At age 8, he was introduced to Special Olympics Kentucky and became a life-long Special Olympian. Over the years, he ran track and field, played basketball and softball and participated in equestrian and bowling, but it was in the swimming pool and in alpine skiing where he excelled. He was a great freestyle swimmer, but the butterfly was his stroke. He attended the 1985 World Winter Games in Park City, Utah and the 1991 World Summer Games in Minneapolis. He was also chosen to participate in the World Down Syndrome Swimming Games in Portugal in 2008. Brad won dozens of medals for his mastery over the course of his athletic career.
Brad was also active in square dancing and participated in many Handicapable Square Dancing Conventions across the country. He also enjoyed playing the hand bells. When he was not participating in sports or other activities, Brad loved listening to music, especially The Beach Boys and Chicago. He was an avid fan of the Kentucky Wildcats. He also took great pride in being able to fold pizza boxes for Papa John’s Pizza, a skill he picked up in his day program following his graduation from Oldham County High School in 1991.
Aside from his parents, Jack and Pat, Brad is also survived by his aunt Mary and uncle Franklin “Red” Anderson of Ooltewah, Tenn.; an uncle, Ben (Teresa) Cross of Monroe, Mich.; an aunt Lou Ann Harkleroad of Decatur, Ga. and many cousins and other cherished family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Brad Harkleroad’s name to Special Olympics Kentucky, 105 Lakeview Court Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.
Visitation will take place from 12 to 2 p.m. ET on Monday, July 18 with a service to follow at 2 p.m. at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40205.