Thomas Evans Bridges

EARL- Mr. Thomas Evans Bridges, 90, of Earl, died Sunday, October 12, 2008 at Century Care of Shelby. A native of Cleveland County, he was a son of the late Columbus Ruffin Bridges and Olar Hamrick Bridges. He was a farmer all of his life and was a member of New Hope Baptist Church. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather.

PRECEDED IN DEATH: In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Mary Hopper Bridges, a daughter, Margaret Ann Bridges, a son, Thomas David Bridges, a sister, Doris Jean Bridges Martin, and brothers, Roy, Herman and Lloyd Bridges.

SURVIVORS: He is survived by a daughter, Kathryn Bridges McCurry and her husband, Donald Eugene McCurry, Sr.; a grandson, Donald Eugene “Gene” McCurry, Jr. and his wife, Tamara Whitaker McCurry; and great grandchildren, Courtney Cherelle McCurry and Cody Evans McCurry; and a granddaughter, Ann McCurry Thackerson and husband Bobby A. Thackerson; and great grandchildren, Joshua Robert Thackerson and Katie Elizabeth Thackerson; a great- great granddaughter, Ally Lane Thackerson; and a number of nieces and nephews, all of Earl. The family would like to thank all of the staff of Century Care of Shelby for their love, care, and many concerns over the past 13 months.

VISITATION: The family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home and at other times at the home of Kathryn and Donald McCurry, 127 McCurry Rd., Earl.

FUNERAL: The funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at New Hope Baptist Church. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes before the service.

BURIAL: Burial will follow in New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery.

OFFICIATING CLERGY: The Revs. Russ Bradley and David Gordon

MEMORIALS: In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hope Baptist Church, Office Equipment Fund, P.O. Box 116, Earl, NC 28038.