Rock Bridges
Mr. Bridges was born on October 21, 1934 in Boone, Iowa.
He graduated from Boone High School in 1953. He joined the Air Force and spent four years serving our great country. He then played football for University of Chattanooga and was in the graduating class of 1961. He was a proud player in the 1958 game where UC beat UT. He worked for Kayo Oil Company, American Lava, Tennessee Highway Department, and Standard Coosa Thatcher before retiring in 1997. He was a lifelong member of Highland Park Christian Church/Hickory Valley Christian Church in Chattanooga, where he served as deacon, elder, and trustee.
Rock faithfully served God in many capacities throughout his life, provided for his family while always having a smile on his face and will leave a legacy of good faith and happiness to all of those that crossed his path.
Rock was an outdoorsman. Spending many days golfing, fishing, and playing sports. He was an avid fan of the UTC Mocs, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves and the Tennessee Vols.
He deeply loved his family. This included his wife Jeannine, of 57 years, his four children, and all his endless grandchildren and great grandchildren. He went by Rock to everyone that knew him and it was perfectly fitting seeing as he was the “rock” of his family. He was patient, loving, kind and understanding. Rock was the epitome of a strong, gracious Christian man.
Surviving him are his wife, Jeannine Pratt Bridges; son, Kenny (Marla) Bridges; daughters, Angela (Jeff) Grigsby; Jackie Bridges; son, Michael Bridges. Grandchildren, Jessica (Kevin) Dimmock, Casey (Britney) Bridges, Annie (Kevin) Massey, Nicole (Daniel) Chilotta, Cody Roach, Cadi Roach, Heath Grigsby, Ashley Grigsby, Peyton Smith, Paxton Smith, Camden Jacobs, Jackson Bridges, Morgan Bridges. Great grandchildren; Jewell, Brody, Bailey, Caleb, Hayden, Madi, Sawyer. Numerous nieces and nephews from around the United States.
Rock was preceded in death by his parents, Homer J. Bridges and Nelly Patterson Bridges; brothers and sisters, John Bridges, Homer Bridges, James Bridges, Richard Bridges, Jeannette Musselman, and Helen Ray.
Funeral services will be on Friday, Nov. 27, at 11 a.m. at the Hickory Valley Christian Church. Interment will follow in the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the Hickory Valley Christian Church from 12-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, and Friday from 10-11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hickory Valley Christian Church, 6605 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga 37421.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.