Bradley K. Slusher, 67, of Chesapeake died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Friday, March 4, 2022, after a courageous six-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Brad was born in Odessa, MO to Robert F. and Janis E. Slusher (Smith).  He grew up in Odessa where he graduated, in the top 5 of his class, from the local high school in 1972.  He attended Central Missouri State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1976.  After graduation, he worked as an Insurance Adjuster and later joined the U. S. Navy in 1981.  He was commissioned as Ensign from Officer Candidate School, Newport, RI, in 1982.

Upon completion of the Navy Supply Corps School, where he graduated as the Honor Graduate, receiving the American Logistics Association Award, Commander Slusher served on board the USS DOWNES (FF-1070) as Assistant Supply Officer and later fleeted up to Supply Officer.  From June 1985 through November 1988, he was assigned to Navy Supply Corps School, Athens, GA, as Food Service/Retail Operations Instructor and later as Training Support Officer.

From November 1988 through December 1990, he served as Assistant Supply Officer and Stock Control Officer on board USS VULCAN (AR-5).  After receiving his master’s degree in Business Administration from Old Dominion University, graduating with distinction, he reported to Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet in August of 1992.  His initial assignment there was temporary duty as Supply Officer, USS HUE CITY (CG-66), followed by assignments as Supply Operations Officer and Ship’s Program Officer.

His next assignment was Assistant Supply Officer on board USS NASSAU (LHA-4) from June 1995 through June 1997.  He was later assigned as Deputy Logistics Officer on staff of CTF 63/COMNAVSURFGRUMED in Naples, Italy, from July 1997 through June 2000.  His final assignment was Special Funds/Contingency Officer in the Comptroller Directorate on the staff of Commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.  He retired after a 22-year naval career in October 2003.  Following his naval career, he worked for AMSEC, LLC, as a Government Property Manager for 13 years.

Commander Slusher was a qualified Surface Warfare Supply Corps Officer (SWSCO) and Naval Aviation Officer (NASO).  In addition to numerous campaign and unit awards, Commander Slusher had been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal.

Brad’s passions were spending time with his family and traveling whenever possible.  He was a devoted husband and father who put his family first.  While the kids were growing up, he attended sporting and school activities (soccer, soft-ball, baseball, figure skating, hockey, football, choir and marching band) and planned family vacations.  As the kids matured, family time remained important; he worked tirelessly to ensure everyone was afforded higher education and continued to support their various endeavors throughout his life.  His travel adventures continued through 2021, with his final travel to DC and Las Vegas to attend Kansas City Chiefs games in October and November, respectively.

He was an avid sports fan and loyal follower of Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.

Brad is survived by his wife of nearly 28 years, Marcella; children Christopher Slusher (Hannah), Britni Smith (Joshua); Jonathan and Chase Anderson; grandchildren Aedan, Quinnton, Jude and Willow Slusher, Oliver Smith, Michelle and Monroe Bivins-Anderson, as well as his step-grandchildren Austin, Ciara, and Aryanna Smith; his parents Robert and Janis Slusher; siblings Denise LaBoube (Douglas), Kyle Slusher (Megan), and Martha White (G. Lynn); an aunt, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to thank Virginia Oncology Associates for their support throughout his treatment, as well as MSA Medi Home Health & Hospice for their support during his final month of life.

No plans have been made for a memorial service at this time.  Internment is planned for Arlington National Cemetery, with full military honors, followed by a Celebration of Life with family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the Navy Supply Corps Foundation, Navy Wounded Warrior Program, Operation Blessing, or a charity of significance to you in Brad’s memory.