David “Smiley” Michael Bradburn, 68, of Dameron, MD, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, at Hospice House of St. Mary’s in Callaway, MD, with his loving family by his side.
He was born on November 06, 1956, in Leonardtown, MD to the late Joseph Thomas Bradburn and Rose Leona Redman Bradburn.
In his younger years, Smiley was a passionate softball enthusiast, well known for his talent on the pitcher’s mound. It was through his love of the game that he met the love of his life, Ramona Fenhagen. The two were married on April 20, 1985 at Holy Face Church, and together they built a beautiful life. Smiley and Ramona were blessed with a daughter (Melanie), and later, a cherished grandson (Colton) who brought them immense joy.
Smiley was a man of few words, but when he spoke, you listened—because you knew it mattered. He was fiercely dedicated to his family and one of the hardest workers you’d ever meet. A true jack of all trades, he could fix just about anything—and often did, especially when his daughter called mid-project needing a rescue. That’s when he’d really open up, usually with a laugh, a shake of his head, and a well-timed “What were you thinking?”.
For 26 years, Smiley proudly served as a boat captain supporting the Government at Naval Air Station Patuxent River and Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, working with the Target Support and Marine Operations group. He was responsible for range clearance—making sure the waters were safe and secure for testing operations. It was a job that perfectly suited him: steady hands on the wheel, deep knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River, and a love for being out on the water. He approached his work with the same dedication he gave to his family—quiet, dependable, and always getting the job done right.
He had an unshakable love for the water, and that’s where you could usually find him—tinkering with his boats, chartering fishing trips, oystering, or out casting a line with his family. On the water, he was in his element. It wasn’t just a hobby; it was who he was.
Smiley also had a deep love for his family. In true poetic fashion, he waited until his and Ramona’s 40th wedding anniversary to take his last breath—always with perfect timing. But more than anything, his pride and joy was his grandson Colton, who lovingly called him “Grampy”. Smiley passed on his passion for fishing to Colton and took him out on the boat every chance he got. When they weren’t on the water, they were battling it out in backyard sports—though the score was always a mystery, since neither one ever admitted to losing. He was teaching Colton not just how to make fishing lures, but also how to work hard, stay curious, and never give up.
Our hearts are broken, and life won’t ever be quite the same without him. But we take comfort in knowing God’s plan is bigger than ours. Smiley will be shining down on us every day—with the sun on the water, the hum of a boat engine, and maybe a little grin when we finally figure out how to fix that thing he would’ve had done in five minutes.
Smiley is survived by his wife Ramona Leigh Bradburn, his daughter Melanie Ann Spears, grandson Colton Michael Spears, and siblings; Judy DeVault (Kenny), Kathy Woodford (G.E.), Charlie Bradburn (Cindy), and Joyce Robl (Tom); and many extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Memorial Service will be held on April 28, 2025 from 3pm to 5pm at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s (P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown, MD 20650) or the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad (P.O. Box 456 Ridge MD, 20680).
Condolences may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com
Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.