Elda K. and Joseph Bradberry

Joseph Floyd Bradberry (1943-2006) was a pillar of strength and goodness to his family, his friends, and to the San Antonio Community. He was born in Brewton, Alabama. He grew up with his grandparents and brother in Alabama, where he was a local football star, and achieved recognition as an All-State football player. He enrolled at Troy State, and started on the Varsity Football Team as a freshman. Joe then attended and graduated from Louisiana State University with a baccalaureate in Horticulture. During his university years, Joe began to develop his leadership abilities through being the President of the LSU College of Agriculture, President of the Horticulture Club and being actively involved in the LSU Student Government. Joe met his wife of thirty-one years, Elda K. Bradberry nee Gaspard in Louisiana. They eventually settled in San Antonio, where they raised their five children.

In San Antonio, Joe began a long and distinguished career as a leader in the horticulture industry. With the help of friends and colleagues, Joe co-founded Milberger Landscaping and eventually created Lone Star Growers, which became one of the prominent growing nurseries in the United States. Joe’s passion for discovering new native plant varieties flourished, as he searched the jungles of Mexico with his colleagues to introduce and propagate native plant species throughout Texas and the United States. During this time, Joe was involved in many professional organizations, including the Texas Association of Nurserymen and the American Nurserymen Association. He was the first non-Aggie to be appointed as Chairman of the Texas A&M Agriculture Development Council. Joe was also involved in the establishment of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

From an early age Joe’s passion, charisma, and leadership inspired others. Joe contributed time and financial support to A&M and LSU scholarship programs, SEQUOR, and several youth at risk programs. One of his most meaningful accomplishments was with the San Antonio Livestock exposition where he had an active role in helping raise money for scholarships. In 1994, Joe became a Board Member of the Coliseum Advisory Board, and was appointed Chairman of the Board from 1999-2003 and again in 2005. His leadership was instrumental to the building of the new AT&T Center. His continued activism in the Coliseum Advisory Board resulted in the development of the new coliseum grounds, including his vision for the AT&T grounds and the surrounding community. Joe was instrumental in co-founding the Sequor Foundation for at risk children. Joe and Elda K. were proud to establish a scholarship fund at Texas A&M University, known as the Elda K. Bradberry Endowed Chair. His passion and devotion to assisting youth at risk originated from his own humble beginnings.

Elda Katherine Bradberry (1948-1998) passed away in November of 1998. Elda was born in January of 1948, and lived to be 50 years old.