T. F. Bridges

Mr. Torrence Festus “T.F.” Bridges, 96, of 427 Poplar Springs Church Road, died Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at Crawley Memorial Hospital. Mr. Bridges was a lifelong resident of Shelby, born June 8, 1912, son of the late Torrence Festus Bridges, Sr. and Effie Jones Bridges. He was a local home building contractor for 25 years.

Mr. Bridges loved his hometown of Shelby passionately, and was an active member of the community, having served in numerous civic and church activities. His civic involvement included 15 years on the Cleveland County Zoning Board, 5 years of service on both the local American Red Cross Board of Directors and the Building and Grounds Committee, and service as a member of the Masons, Cleveland Lodge No. 202. Mr. Bridges loved and enjoyed church work and was a member of First Baptist Church of Shelby for more than 40 years. Mr. Bridges was a member of Sharon United Methodist Church at the time of his death, and served on the Sharon United Methodist Administrative Council for many years. In his latter years, he was also a member of the “Bobby Rogers Crowd” and provided sage wisdom and advice to that group for many years.

PRECEDED IN DEATH: In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of more than 60 years, Rhea H. Bridges, and a son, Roger Dale Bridges.

SURVIVORS: He is survived by his wife, Doris Cash Bridges of the home; one daughter, JoAnn B. Johnson and her husband, Elmus Johnson, of Mineola, Texas; one son, Dr. Donald N. Bridges, and his wife, Charlene K. Bridges of North Augusta, SC; grandchildren and their spouses, Stephanie Bridges Norrell and Billy, of Montgomery, Alabama, Whitney Anne Bridges of Charleston, SC, Denise Bridges and Dr. Marshall McMillan of Charlotte, David Bridges and Michelle of Charleston, SC, Daryl Bridges and Wendy, of Clover, SC, Donna Bridges Dejeu and Adrian, of Greenwood, SC, and Donald Dowdle and Lori of Rowlett, Texas.

VISITATION: The family will receive friends from 12:45 until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Sharon United Methodist Church and other times at the home.

SERVICE: The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Sharon United Methodist Church.

INTERMENT: Burial will immediately follow in Cleveland Memorial Park

CLERGY: The Rev. Joe Tarpley will be officiating

MEMORIALS: Mr. Bridges was a strong supporter of education and established three scholarships for deserving students at Gardner Webb University.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the T.F. Bridges Scholarship Fund at Gardner-Webb University, P.O. Box 997, Boiling Springs, NC 28017, or to Sharon United Methodist Church, 871 College Avenue, Shelby, NC 28152.