Ralph Goss Bridges passed away on November 5, 2013 at his home in the Salem community, Lexington, GA
Ralph was the son of the late Walter and Rosa Chafin Bridges. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margaret Sanders Bridges; and his children: Steve (Glenda), daughter-in-law Debbie Hopkins Bridges, Iris Walker (Barry), John Mark (Tricia), Walter (Maria), and David (Gloria); and 22 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Terry Alan Bridges Sr., and four brothers and five sisters: Walter Everett Bridges, Louis Harris Bridges, William Chafin "Jake" Bridges, Charles Cecil Bridges, Florrie Elizabeth Paul, Rosa Lee Bridges, Eleanor Louise Bridges, Jonell "Nell" Gillespie, and Emily Ann Saye.
Ralph was a member and a deacon of the Salem Baptist Church. He served Oglethorpe county in several capacities of farm and cattle organization. He was a Director of the American Angus Association from 1988-1990, President of the Georgia Angus Association from 1989-1990, President of the Georgia Cattlemen's Association in 1992, President of the American Angus Association in 1996, Past President of the Oglethorpe County Cattlemen's Association and Georgia Farm Bureau, and Chairman of the Board of First Commerce Bank.
He was an avid Angus Cattle breeder & turkey farmer. He was the owner of Bridges Angus Farms, for over 50 years.
Pall bearers are Steven Bridges, Ethan Bridges, Alan Bridges, Phillip Bridges, Lee Walker, Brandon Walker, Mark Bridges, Brad Bridges, Mason Mendez, and David Bridges.
Visitation is at Salem Baptist Church, Lexington, GA on Thursday November 7, 2013 at 1:00 to 2:45; the funeral is to follow at 3 o'clock. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at the Salem Baptist Church's Baptismal Park Fund.
Mr. Bridges always said he had a great life and truly enjoyed the ride. His church, family and cattle were his joy.
Lord and Stephens East is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Tammy Anderson
November 8, 2013
James Appling
November 7, 2013
Margaret, we think of your family often. I am sorry sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. God bless him and all of you.
John Nivens
November 7, 2013
Dear Bridges Family,
May it comfort you all to know how much we care. Mr. Ralph will surly be missed! You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie/Hugh Willcox
November 7, 2013
What a great man . He was a wonderful friend!! Curly Cook
Curly Cook
November 7, 2013
To all the Bridges family: I am so sorry for your loss. May the difficult days ahead be made lighter with the lifetime of wonderful memories you have to share. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jo Harrison
November 7, 2013
May God and the comforting words of family and friends be with you during this difficult time of loss.
I remember Mr. Ralph as being a brilliant man who was solid as a rock. My Grandfather, Marion Barnett, Sr. thought the world of him. He will be missed.
Mamie Barnett
November 7, 2013
Every one knew Ralph he gave all of us a job at one time or the other in the salem community, We leaned a lot about cattle and turkeys. I like to say thanks to the Family and GOD Bless You
Kenneth Walker
November 7, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Ralph's death. I remember him from all the cow shows when I was growing up. He was always a wonderful person!!! This family will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Rodger & Cindy Underwood Williams
November 7, 2013
Mr. Ralph always met Ann Bell and I with a smile and told us he was so proud of us "women" for bringing the kids to the shows. He was so great to help us out during the hosting of the National Angus Show in Perry and I will always remember his kind words to everyone. He told me time and time again how he loved to watch Jill show cattle. Now perhaps Mr. Ralph and Jill can have a big show up in heaven. My prayers are with you all and I am proud to have known such a good person and friend.
Sharon Cassidy
November 7, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Beverly Paradise
November 7, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes East Chapel
November 7, 2013
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Lord & Stephens Funeral Home - East4355 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605
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