Charles was born March 10, 1931, in Springfield, South Dakota, the first-born child of Edmund and Laura Bradley of Marcus, South Dakota. He was followed by siblings Jimmy, Mary, Sharon, and Mark. At the age of nine, Charles's mother died, and he was raised by his father, with help from a large extended family. He attended grade school at the Marcus School and high school at St. Martin's Academy in Sturgis, South Dakota. While attending high school he worked in the meat department at the Red Owl grocery store.

After graduation, Charles joined the US Air Force, he was stationed at many different bases around the world. He was trained in Dental Technology and was superior at making false teeth that actually fit well. While stationed in England, Charles met and married Winnie Fitzgerald. They had three children, Mark, Cheryl, and Edmund. Charles retired from the Air Force in 1970, after serving 20 years.

Charles married Patricia Weiss in 1995, and they retired in Carson City, Nevada. There, he was very active volunteering at various places including driving veterans to medical appointments. He was also a devoted leader in the AA program for many years.

Charles is survived by his wife, Patricia, Albany, OR; son Mark, Lebanon, OR; daughter Cheryl Turlock, CA; sisters Mary White and Sharon Weber, Rapid City South Dakota, and sister-in-law, Luci Bradley, Sturgis, South Dakota.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Laura Bradley, son, Edmund Bradley, and brothers Jim and Mark (Bub) Bradley.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Saint Martin's Chapel in Sturgis, South Dakota.  Inurnment will take place at St. Aloysius Cemetery in Sturgis.