Brad Thornton Hardcastle

Brad Thornton Hardcastle

December 14, 1982 – January 3, 2025

Brad Thornton Hardcastle, 42, a dedicated medical professional, avid fisherman, and devoted dog father, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, in Nashville, TN. Born in St. Petersburg, FL, Brad lived a life full of passion, adventure, and unwavering love for those around him.

Brad’s career in the medical field began as a professional piercer before he transitioned to hospital emergency departments and eventually found his calling in clinical research. His work reflected his deep compassion and commitment to helping others. A lover of both art and science, Brad’s tattoos told stories—many serving as tributes to the people he held dear.

Brad was active and adventurous. His love for hockey began in childhood, and he carried that passion throughout his life, playing competitively as an adult and never missing an NHL game. He had a lifelong love of motorcycles, bass guitar, skateboarding, and live music. He collected rocks, watches, and knives, each with its own meaning. He also had a sentimental side—saving small gifts from others for years, holding onto memories as dearly as he held onto the people in his life.

Brad had a way of making friends the moment he started talking, no matter where he was. He had a natural warmth that made people—especially kids—gravitate toward him. From an early age, he showed the same care and devotion to animals, taking his first job cleaning up at a pet store just so he could bring home a bird and buy everything it needed. He was fiercely protective of those he loved and always up for an adventure, but some of his happiest moments were spent at the water’s edge, fishing as the sun set, with Maya and Aida waiting patiently for a snack.

Brad was preceded in death by his father, Russell Hardcastle. He is survived by his loving mother, Barbie Hardcastle; his brother and sister-in-law, Wes and Bella Hardcastle; his sister, Karen Hardcastle; and a large, devoted extended family. Many lifelong friends and their families will miss him dearly.

To honor Brad’s life, a private service will be held on March 1st. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation at www.nationalpcf.org