Ernest Thomas Bridges (Tom), 85 years, passed away on April 14, 2023, in Rogersville, Tennessee.
Tom was born to Ernest and Grace Bridges on August 8, 1937. He was raised and attended high school in Eutaw, Alabama, and then graduated from the University of Alabama with a Pulp and Paper Technology degree.
He spent several years in the army reserves following graduation and then began his career in the paper industry in Brevard, North Carolina, where he met and married the love of his life, Betty Ann Dunlap. They raised three wonderful children. Pam Koons, Barry Bridges, and Alison Gault. His career spanned over four decades, and he resided in several cities throughout the southeast, including Brevard; Dothan, Alabama; and Jacksonville, Florida. He finally retired in 2000 and spent most of his retirement in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Tom was an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman, and a loyal University of Alabama fan. Throughout his life, most of his weekends were spent on the golf course, lake, in the woods, or rooting for the Tide. He was very active in the Episcopal churches wherever they resided and loved to share his faith with whoever would listen.
One of his most rewarding volunteer acts of service was with the Kairos Prison Ministry, where he was able to share his love for the Lord with incarcerated men in Atmore, Alabama. He lived a life of love, laughter, and generosity; he especially loved spending quality time with his family and friends, and his laughter was contagious. All who knew him will miss his sweet spirit and hearty laugh.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Grace Bridges, and his sister, Inez Lancaster.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 61 years, Betty Dunlap Bridges; his daughter Pam Koons (Larry), his son Barry Bridges (Joanne), and his daughter Alison Gault (Chuck); his sister Marion Bridges Wells; grandchildren Courtney Koons Bui (Anhtuan), Russell Koons, Ben Bridges, Thomas Bridges, Ansley Bridges, Camella Bridges, Max Gault and Charlie Gault, four great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Connor, Austin, and Nathan Bui; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Tom’s family wishes to extend their thanks to all of the nurses and caregivers at Signature Lifestyles Assisted Living Center in Rogersville, Tennessee; Caris Hospice Care of Greeneville, TN; and special caregivers Olaya Magallanes and Felicia Lawson.
The family held a private celebration of Tom’s life with Betty at the Signatures Lifestyle facility in Rogersville. Anyone inclined to do so may make a donation in Tom’s name to Kairos Prison Ministry (www.kairos-al.org), the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), Pink Girl (www.PinkGirl.org), or their local humane society or animal rescue of your choice.
Online condolences may be sent at www.christiansells.com
