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William Bridges Obituary
October 12, 1948-December 23, 2012
Gulfport
William Parham Bridges, III, 64, of Gulfport passed away Sunday, December 23, 2012 at his home.
He was born in Jackson, Ms. He graduated from Gulfport East High School in 1968 and then served in the Mississippi Air National Guard. He joined the Gulfport Police Department in 1970 and retired in 1990 as Chief of the Detective Division with a rank of Captain. He then began work at the MS Regional Housing Authority in 1991 as an investigator and retired in 2011.
Parham had many interests including photography, fishing and computing, HAM radio, animals, radio controlled airplanes, politics, and military history. His passion was marksmanship. He taught many people how to shoot and handle firearms safely. He was a Patron member of the National Rifle Association. He also served as President and was the current Vice-President of the South Mississippi Gun Association.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Danehower Gregory; and a brother, Kendall Danehower Gregory.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Paula "Patty" Bridges; two sons, William Parham Bridges, IV and his wife Robin Marshall Bridges and Charles Christopher Bridges and his wife, Rachel Lynn Bridges, all of Gulfport; his father, William Parham Bridges, Jr. of Jackson; six brothers, Roderick Rhodes Bridges of Charlottesville, South Carolina, John Harley Gregory of Memphis, TN David Parham Bridges of Jackson, Tad Bratton Bridges of Ocean Springs, Grier Joseph Gregory of Baton Rouge, LA, and Thomas Decatur Gregory of Dowington, PA; two sisters, Ashley Isabelle Bridges of Jackson, and Virginia "Sister" Gregory of Pass Christian; and three grandchildren, Shane Timothy Marshall, Tabitha Robin Bridges, and Nolan Parham Bridges, all of Gulfport.
The funeral service is Friday, December 28, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. Interment follows at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport.
View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Bridges
Kerrye McCool
January 10, 2013
Patty, I am so sorry to hear about Parham. My thoughts & prayers are with with you & your family.
John McAdams family & staff
January 7, 2013
Our deepest sympathy.
Julie and Don Norris
January 2, 2013
Patty,
Don and I are so sorry to hear about Parham. We were out of town and unable to attend. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May God surround you with wonderful memories to help you through. God Bless! Please call me when you get a chance. Love you!
January 2, 2013
We have lost one of the BEST, that I had known in my life time to present. I will truely miss you, Sir.
James Highton
Barbara (Passero) Lizana
January 1, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to Patty and Family. He was a true original and a good friend.
Lynn Dietz
January 1, 2013
I will always remember my brother-in -law Parham as a very giving and caring man. I will miss his wisdom and humor. You are now another guardian angel to watch over our family.... R.I.P. Parham we all love you and will miss you dearly.
Charnell Inglis Sommers
December 31, 2012
for the family of Parham Bridges - I was so sorry to hear about his passing.
sending blessings from Alabama.
Stephanie Rosetti Crosby
December 29, 2012
Patty & family, sending prayers and love. I am sorry I was unable to attend his service. My God bless you and comfort you throughout the coming years and bring you peace through your happy memories. Love, Stephanie
peter Snell
December 28, 2012
I was a pleasure to be in SMGA with Parham (or Tripper, as we kidded him). He was a great fellow.
Julie Murphy
December 27, 2012
Rachel my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Steve Ford
December 27, 2012
Parham & I worked together in the Detective Division at Gulfport P.D. in the late 70's and early 80's. He set an excellent example.
Tom Johnson
December 27, 2012
You are missed, my friend. May God Bless.
Sharon Jones
December 27, 2012
My thoughts & prayers are with the Family at this difficult time. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Jim Keane
December 27, 2012
You will be missed
Jayme Bobinger
December 27, 2012
I had the pleasure of knowing Bridges. I worked with him at MRHA. I got to get to know him by having lunch with him and his crew on a daily basis and what a great person he was. We had our yearly Nascar Pool. Bridges was a man of honor and took care of his people and was admired by many. Now he is at peace and rest in Gods Kingdom. Amen
Melissa Penton
December 27, 2012
My thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
Neil and Karen Resh
December 27, 2012
With heartfelt condolences
Nancy chisesi
December 27, 2012
All of us at Orange Grove Hobby Shop are so sorry to hear about Mr. Bridges. He was a long time customer of ours and will be greatly missed by all.
Fred Matheson
December 27, 2012
I enjoyed Parhams friendship in the gunclub over the years. He was just a great guy and will be missed by all of us.
Stephen Cook
December 27, 2012
I'm going to miss him. He was one of the best. All my best to his family.
Buddy Arthur
December 27, 2012
Parham was always a kind person and I will always be proud to say he was my friend. My God Bless and give comfort to his family.
Howard Conley
December 27, 2012
My condolences to the family. I served with Parhm at the Gulfpot Police Dept for 8 years.
The Staff and Management of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Homes
December 27, 2012
We extend our sincere sympathy and value your trust during this time of remembrance and reflection. We pledge our support now and in the future.
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