Bradley Jeffries Norling

Bradley Wayne Norling, known to his radio listeners and many friends as Brad Jeffries, passed away on August 12, 2022 at the age of 53 years. Brad was born November 5, 1968 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Glenn Norling, known to his radio fans as Stu Collins, and Martha (Humphrey) Norling. Some would say he was born with a silver microphone in his mouth, as he was destined to be an entertainer. Throughout his childhood, his dad moved the family to Seattle for a brief period before settling into Chicagoland in the mid-1970’s, where Brad and his little brother Jeff began shadowing their dad in the radio studio. It was in Palatine as a young teen that a radio transmitter and some studio-grade equipment were acquired and Brad was set with his own pirate radio station, broadcasting to neighbors and friends. He honed his skills spinning records and tapes with some great takes on that great 70’s and 80’s contemporary music, Motown hits, and classic rock. Not too long after the pirate radio career, Brad went out on his own, embarking on a path leading him to board op jobs and assorted duties at stations in Chicago, Rockford, IL and Wisconsin. Eventually, he ended up at a station in Vero Beach, which is where he met Mary Jo Benner. They were married in Florida and made their way to Wisconsin again after Brad took a job doing software installation for music programming at various radio stations in the Midwest. Brad and Mary Jo moved to Knoxville when he took an afternoon drive spot on Star 102.1. This began Brad’s long time in the Knoxville area as a radio personality, host of many events, and Tennessee Volunteer fanaticism. Knoxville was also where their daughter, Rylee, was born. Brad was also a stepdad to Mary’s daughters, Courtney Preste and Fallon Schrandt. Perhaps Brad is most known for his tenure at B97.5 as morning show cohost with Ashley Adams for nearly 20 years. There, he provided laughter, insight on food and fun, and often was the butt of many practical jokes, although he knew how to dish those out as well. Brad reconnected with his childhood sweetheart, Lynne Shulz, from Schererville, IN, and she relocated to Knoxville. They were married for 15 years. They met as young children because their dads worked together at the same radio station in Chicago. As every star will lose its luster, so too did Brad lose his edge, fighting a battle that only he knew. A reminder of this struggle was given on August 10, 2022 when he lost this fight within. There was no joy, no laughter on this day. Brad’s infectious belly laugh, bear hugs to all he met, ability to cook everything to perfection, love of Packer's football, and how he made every attempt to win fantasy football seasons, will never be forgotten. Brad was preceded in death by his mom, his stepbrother Mark Faulkner, grandparents, father-in-law and best friend Warren Shulz, and his dog Packer. Brad is survived by his daughter Rylee of Austin, TX, dad Glenn and stepmom Margaret of New Glarus, WI, stepbrother Chris Faulkner of O’Fallon, MO and brother Jeff Norling of Reading, KS. Also surviving and still close to him were ex-wife Mary Jo Benner of the Knoxville area and ex-wife Lynne Shulz of Schererville, IN. The family invites you to Rose Funeral and Cremation- Mann, 6200 Kingston Pike for a Celebration of Life Gathering on Saturday, October 8th from 10:00am-12:15pm. The family remarks and sharing time will begin at 12:15pm, which will be livestreamed on the Rose Mann facebook page. In lieu of flowers, the family would like charitable donations made in Brad’s name to Make-A-Wish East Tennessee, 6700 Baum Drive, Suite 7 Knoxville, TN 37919. They may also donate via the Make-A-Wish website at dtn.wish.org. Online condolences may be made at rosefuneraltn.com.

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Bradley Jeffries Norling

November 5, 1968 - August 10, 2022