Billy Joe Bridges

Billy Joe Bridges passed away Wednesday morning August 6th at 12:45 AM.

Billy Joe was born on June 28, 1947 in Tulare, Calif. He grew up in the town of Tipton and went to Tipton Elementary and Tulare Union High School.

He joined the Navy right out of high school. He went to Boot Camp and advanced training in San Diego. He was shipped to Vietnam in 1967 and was assigned to a Naval River Gunboat. He made numerous trips up and down the Hue river between Hue and Da Nang. They were fired upon and attacked often.

He participated in the battle of Hue for five days and nights. They were successful in repelling the enemy forces. My brother received two purple hearts for injuries sustained in the various battles along the river they patrolled.

He battled cancer and heart disease that was caused by his exposure to Agent Orange.

He is survived by his brother Darrel Bridges ,Sister in law Connie Bridges, brother Stanley Bridges, Sons Tim Bridges and Ted Bridges, daughters Melanie and Valarie. He was preceded in death by his wife Shelly and his son Michael.

Also numerous grandsons and granddaughters and Nephew Chris Bridges, Niece Jennifer Bridges.

There will be a Graveside service for Billy Joe on Wednesday, August 13th at 10:00 AM. Services will be held at the Tipton-Pixley Cemetary in Tipton.

There will be a viewing on Tuesday, August 12th from 4:00 PM to 7:00PM

The viewing will be held at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Home

Come and join the family in remembering the good times and laugh with us while we share our memories. My brother would want nothing but laughter and a cold beer.

He will be missed.