John Bridges

John Raymond "Ray" Bridges, Sr. 89, of Kings Mountain, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2016 at the Testa Family Hospice House, Kings Mountain. He was born August 7, 1926 in Gaston County to the late William Ervin and Margaret Willis Bridges.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, John Bridges, Jr.; numerous brothers and sisters.

John is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Alma Tate Bridges; his son, Andy Bridges and wife Kim of Kings Mountain; his daughter, Sylvia Hamrick of Kings Mountain; brother, Thomas Bridges of Lexington, NC; grandchildren, Johnny Bridges III, Yvette Moten, Jackie Schull, Emily Bridges and Miranda Bridges; great-grandchildren, Cierra, Bianca and Kiera; special nieces, Ann, Nancy, Jeanne and Nell; special friends, Bill and Barbara Bridges and Dennis and Mary Lou Mauney.

John was veteran of the United States Army. While enlisted he served two years in World War II. John was a farmer for most of his life. He was also a great Christian man and loved his family and church. He held many positions which included; Sunday school teacher, Deacon, and Church Elder. He was also a Mason and a member of the Fairview Lodge 339 of Kings Mountain. He was also a current board member of the Gaston County Farm Bureau. John was awarded the Goodyear/NACO 1995 Conservation Award.

His funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm Thursday, March 10, 2016 at Long Creek Presbyterian Church, with the Dr. Charles Davenport officiating.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm prior the service at the church

Interment will follow at Patterson Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.

Memorials may be made to either Long Creek Presbyterian Church, 701 Long Creek Road Kings Mountain, NC 28086, the American Cancer Society at www.donate.cancer.org , or Hospice of Cleveland County at www.hospicecares.cc/donations.htm