In Memoriam: Brad Cherry

Bradford L. Cherry

May 21, 1941 - July 21, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of TowneBank emeritus director Brad Cherry in July 2024. As a founding Portsmouth director, Brad was a champion of TowneBank since its earliest days. 

A Portsmouth native, Brad graduated from Churchland High School and went on to attend VMI and later Old Dominion University. After college, Brad joined the family rug-cleaning business, Cherry Rug Co., started by his father Arthur in 1947. Brad worked in every position within the company, believing that he could only direct what he had experienced. After convincing his father to move into carpet sales and taking over as president, the company became Cherry Carpet & Flooring and is one of the largest flooring businesses in Virginia. 

Today, Brad’s son Ross is at the helm as the third-generation owner. A community steward to his core, Brad served on numerous boards throughout his professional life. In his early years, he served as PTA President, Chairman of the Portsmouth School Board, Portsmouth YMCA Director, Director of Small Business Division of the United Fund, Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, and was a longtime member of the Portsmouth Rotary Club. He was the chairman of the Portsmouth Port and Industrial Commission, the Chair of the Industrial Development Authority of Portsmouth, and the Vice President of the Portsmouth Industrial Foundation. His dedication to his community led to his recognition as First Citizen of Portsmouth in 1984. With his heart fully engaged in the revitalization and success of his hometown, Portsmouth, he never stopped working for the good of the community and its citizens. 

Brad enjoyed a long friendship of mutual admiration with TowneBank founders Bob Aston and Scott Morgan. At the TowneBank annual meeting in May 2024, Bob presented Brad a resolution in appreciation of his distinguished service and outstanding dedication to TowneBank as Brad retired from the board. Bob recalled Brad’s great sense of humor and good nature, laughing about calling into a football postgame radio show to give the coach a piece of his mind about the team’s poor performance. When they asked Bob’s name, he said, “This is Brad Cherry of Cherry Carpet in Portsmouth, Virginia.” Brad, who was also tuned in, enjoyed the joke. 

An accomplished businessman who leaves an even greater legacy through his love for family and community, Brad Cherry was one of a kind. The TowneBank family was so fortunate to have him in our corner.