Bradley Sutton Elmore, 54, was called to his eternal home on Wednesday afternoon, April 12, 2023. Brad was born in Lenoir County on October 25, 1968. The gracious welcome home he received was without a doubt started by his Lord and followed quickly with an embrace from his parents, Pat Elmore and Jack Elmore.

Brad was kind, generous, and witty beyond compare. His infectious smile and huge laugh hidden behind that full beard was enough of a greeting to become an instant friend with him. If Brad couldn’t make you laugh, you were one completely without joy. Known to cut up and have a good time, he constantly kept something going. He was going to enjoy life and give 110% in good times and in bad. A lover of good music, he cherished classic rock, especially his favorite band, Widespread Panic.

Though life wasn’t always easy for Brad, he used his experiences to better the lives of others. He was a sounding board, confidant, and safe place for many, never casting judgment and always available. He was quick to love and quicker to forgive.

An entrepreneur that saw beyond his own gain, Brad had a deep appreciation for his hometown and sought to create good in the businesses he established. While Captain’s Corner maintains a forty-one-year tradition of the world’s best hot dogs and the coldest beer in town, their finest publicity came from the greeting and conversation that was created daily through Brad.

Investing further in his beloved town, Brad went on to establish Sugar Hill Pizzeria, The Mad Hatter, and The Inside Scoop. One can’t think of the phrase, “Sugar Hill, ya’ll” without Brad coming to mind. Whether it’s seeing his caricature as you enter the building or seeing “Homeslice” in person, there’s no doubt that his very being was intertwined into the success of the business.

While Brad’s genuine love for his friends and hometown was enormous, it paled in comparison to his love for his family. One can’t think of Brad without his wife, Jackie, coming to mind. He was the best husband to Jackie, happily married, partners in business, partners in life, and the best of friends. The addition of their daughter, Lily, completed their trio and, for Brad, Jackie and Lily were his whole world and biggest blessings. His most prized roles in life were husband to Jackie and dad to Lily.

Brad’s love for Jesus was shown naturally as he fulfilled the commandment to love neighbor as self. Perhaps without even realizing the impact of his actions, Brad spread love to all he met, so that even in a stranger, people could find a generous friend. Having spread tremendous joy, Brad leaves an equal void. Our best honor to this legend of a man is to continue his work through our own lives.

A service to celebrate and honor Brad’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at First Pentecostal Holiness Church, Kinston with Pastor Justin Barnett officiating. Committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery in La Grange. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home, as well as other times at the home.

Brad is survived by his loving wife, Jackie; daughter, Lily Catherine Elmore; brother, Jim Elmore and wife, Pam; brother- and sister-in-law, Jay and Shelly Joyner; nieces, April, Arrington, and Peyton; nephews, Matthew and Gannon; as well as a host of extended family and numerous friends.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016-5337 (www.kidney.org). Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.