Mr. Bridges, 88, of Charlotte, and more recently of Huntersville Oaks Nursing Home, died August 4, 2004 at the nursing home. Mr. Bridges was born February 29, 1916, in Ellenboro, NC, the son of Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Bridges. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Clifford, Lolan, Lee, and Ray, and sisters, Edna, Dova, Cora, Verdia, and Nola.
He attended Ellenboro schools and Gardner-Webb University where he was president of his class for two years and received the Citizenship Medal. He then attended NC State, but when WWII started, he joined the Navy and was transferred to the Naval Air Corps. He received his commission and wings at Jacksonville Naval Air Station and became a pilot of a 4-engine patrol bomber squadron based in the Pacific Islands. He was awarded the Air Medal for his service and following the war, continued in the Naval Reserve achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He also continued his formal education at Appalachian State and received his Master's Degree in math and physical education from UNC-Chapel Hill.
He began his teaching career at Dobson High School in Surry County and then relocated to the Paw Creek School in Mecklenburg County. He later taught math at Myers Park High School until retiring in 1975. Since retirement, he had enjoyed traveling, golf, hunting, fishing, and gardening, and continued his interest in sports. He was an active member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church where he was a teacher of the Charles Rhinehart Sunday School Class and was chairman of the church's History Committee.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jenois 'Jan' Proctor Bridges; son, Mike Bridges of Oceanside, VA; daughters, Martha McGee of Huntersville and Susan Van Dyke of Raleigh; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the staff of the Huntersville Oaks and to Hospice at Charlotte for their loving care of Mr. Bridges.
Funeral services will be held at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in the Oakdale Community on Friday at 2:00 o'clock with the Reverends Wes and Paula Judy officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Charles Rhinehart Sunday School Class. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.
Arrangements by McEwen Funeral and Cremation Service, Charlotte Chapel.