Betty Zu Davis Bradbury

Betty Zu Davis Bradbury, 88, was born in Little Rock April 30, 1927, and passed away Aug. 24, 2015. In high school during World War II, inspired by a passion for aviation and a calling to serve, she joined the local Civil Air Patrol, where she studied all types of aviation and wartime activities. She took flying lessons and made her first solo flight as a teenage pilot. Betty attended Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, where she was a cheerleader and a member of the championship archery team, for which she once graced the cover of Life magazine. In January 1948, she married Curtis Franklin Bradbury, Sr. in Little Rock at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, where she was a lifelong member. The majority of her career was spent as a receptionist and bookkeeper for the dental office of Dr. Gil Caver. She enjoyed playing golf with her group ("The Betty's") at Western Hills Country Club, teaching her grandchildren to play card games and tending to her garden. Much to the chagrin of her sons and grandsons, she holds the family record for holes-in-one with three, all made after age 60. She was a voracious reader and a dog lover. Betty is survived by her sons Curtis F. Bradbury Jr. and his wife Charlotte and Ralph Bradbury Sr.; grandchildren Rachel Bradbury, Ralph Bradbury Jr. (Lauren) all of Little Rock, Spencer Bradbury (Laura) of Austin, Texas, and Curtis F. Bradbury III of Dallas, Texas; and great-grandchildren Lillian and Spencer Jr. Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Curtis Franklin Bradbury Sr. and her grandson, Cameron Alexander Bradbury. A private family service will be held Thursday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider making donations to the Cameron Bradbury Fund at the Psychiatric Research Institute, UAMS, 4301 W. Markham, Suite 554, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.