Darlene
Brad & I met at The Memphis Jazz and Blues Club meetings in the early 80’s. Brad, a group of friends, and I enjoyed many a Sunday afternoon filled with the sounds of Dixieland Jazz. In 1987 I moved to Little Rock, AR. Brad, Mary & I stayed in touch and Brad visited me and my late husband several times. Of course these visits were filled with the Jazz sounds around Little Rock, AR.Brad and Mary came to my wedding when I remarried in 1998. Several weeks later, to celebrate our wedding, Brad and Mary met us in St. Louis, MO for a weekend Jazz festival. Friends of my husband and me that lived in St. Louis joined in on the musical festivities. We all had a big time and I was sorry to see Brad and Mary head back to Memphis.After my Dad, who lived in Memphis, passed away my trips to Memphis became far & few between. But Brad and Mary and I stayed in touch. I recall how devastated Brad was after Mary’s passing. Brad had lost his lifelong love of his life and soulmate.I feel very fortunate to have known Brad, and my life was certainly enriched by our friendship and the fun we had listening to wonderful Dixieland Jazz.Brad and his love Mary are now reunited. That is a comforting thought as I mourn the loss of my very good friend Brad Rice.My deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time.Darlene Patterson