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Richard "Coach" Bridges
Richard "Coach" Bridges
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Richard Bridges Obituary
Knoxville - Richard "Coach" Bridges, age 79 of Knoxville, TN passed away on February 23, 2021. He is preceded in death by parents Wayne and Alice Bridges and daughter Kimberly Moore. Survivors include his wife Mary Jane Bridges; son Rick Bridges (Wendy); daughter Stacy Bridges; brother Mike Bridges (Linda); sister Pat Bridges; grandchildren Brooke Carper (Nathan), Alex Gibson (Dana) and Katie Moore; two great grandchildren; nieces and nephew.
Richard was a graduate of Central High School where he lettered and was all state in football, baseball, track and chorus. He attended the University of Memphis on a football scholarship and went on to play semi-pro football with the Knoxville Bears.
Following his heart, passions, and God's lead, Richard became a beloved and accomplished teacher, coach, and singer. He began his coaching career at Carson Newman College as an assistant football coach. From there he went to Rutledge, Gibbs and Doyle High Schools as a head football coach. He was twice named KFL Coach of the Year and was inducted into the East Tennessee Chapter of The National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame. Gibbs High School's football field bears his name. After coaching, he retired from Farragut Primary School.
Richard was a member of Christ Covenant Church and dearly loved Jesus Christ and God our Father. Gospel singing was his preference as he participated in several church choirs, gospel quartets and music ministries in Michigan and Tennessee. He volunteered with The Salvation Army, KARM's Launch Point Program, The Truck Stop Ministry and Mission of Hope. He received Tennessee's Outstanding Achievement Award and was recognized by the Town of Farragut by proclaiming a day in his honor. Richard loved family, friends, and serving others. He also loved his country, having served in the United States Air Force. Traveling, fishing and golfing were favorite pastimes.
Family and friends will gather for a short memorial service, with military honors, on Tuesday, March 23, at 2:00 p.m., at the East Tennessee State Veterans' Cemetery, 2200 East Gov. John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Tennessee-Heart Lung Vascular Institute, 2121 Medical Center Way, Suite 110, Knoxville, TN 37920 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865)6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rebecca L Fugate
June 26, 2021
Dear Mary Jane,
I just saw Richard's obituary and I want to let you know how sorry I am to hear of his passing. He was such a nice man. You guys were very kind to my parents when they lived beside you.
My prayers are with you.
Love,
Rebecca Fugate
Eden
March 12, 2021
He was a wonderful person,a great loss In our facility and he will surely be miss by do many of his caregivers
Vivian Fox
March 9, 2021
MJ, I am so sorry to learn of Rich’s passing. He was always smiling and usually singing. He had a beautiful voice. My prayers are with you. Vivian Fox
CHRISTY LATHAM
March 5, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Coach Bridges was such a kind compassionate man. I had him as a teacher at Doyle for Science. I also have memories of him singing at the Pigeon Forge Rod Runs. And so many more memories....He will greatly missed! Praying for the family. God Bless!
Christy Lundy Latham & Paul (DD) Latham
both students
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Jim Walker
March 3, 2021
GOD SPEED OLD FRIEND!
Earl Crosland
March 3, 2021
Richard and l were team mates at Central High. He was a great player and a wonderful person. My deepest condolences to his family.
Lori Lett
March 3, 2021
Great man made the world a brighter better place
Kenny Brady
March 3, 2021
God speed coach
Bobbie Wisniowski
March 2, 2021
I worked with Richard at Farragut Primary. He was loved by the kids and teachers. Prayers for the family. May he Rest In Peace.
John J Duncan, Jr
March 2, 2021
In his last years as a teacher, Coach Bridges taught primary age children, one of whom was my son, Zane. All the little children loved Coach, and that says a lot about the man. He touched hundreds of lives in good and positive ways, and I am very sorry about his passing.
Emily Zain
March 2, 2021
Richard was at FPS when I taught there . He was loved by all the children he had in his PE classes.
He was a great friend and teacher. May he Rest In Peace ✝
Clarence Daniels
March 2, 2021
Stacy I’m so sorry for your loss, my heart and prayers go out to you and the family. Coach Bridges was such a special person and a great roll model for so many young people. He had such a kind and caring way about him. We will surely miss him but it’s comforting knowing he has gone home and singing with the Lord
Clarence
Amy Passons Yander
March 2, 2021
Richard was such a kind, happy man. I will always remember him fondly. What I remember most about him was his contagious smile and the way he always made everyone feel special. He had a joy in living that is rarely seen. My thoughts are with Mary Jane, Rick and the entire Bridges family at this time. I hope time brings healing and only happy memories!
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233 S. Peters Road, Knoxville, TN 37923
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