Samuel "Sam" Wilford Bridges

Samuel "Sam" Wilford Bridges, 73, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2014, at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was born June 6, 1940, in Caraway, Arkansas, to the late James Paul and Emma Jean (Byrd) Bridges. In 1963, Sam married Gloria Ann Watson at Monette Methodist Church and on May 19, 1964, their only child, Michael Scott Bridges, was born. Sam served in the United States Air Force and attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. In 1981, he moved from Walnut Ridge to Paragould. He had worked five years at Snapp Motors and retired from Pannell Ford-Mercury in 2001 after 25 years as a Ford parts manager. Sam will be missed by members of the "Friday Pickers" at Glen Sain Ford in Paragould and his close friend, Felix Tate, who he visited every Wednesday. Sam was a member of First United Methodist Church, Jonesboro and previously was a member of First United Methodist Church, Paragould, for many years. He served as a driver/worker at Ozark Mission Project camps many, many times over the years. Sam was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Elsie (Robertson) Bridges; one brother, Jimmie Dwight Bridges; and his paternal grandparents, Samuel Tilton and Sarah Adeline (Lemons) Bridges. Sam is survived by his wife, Gloria, of the home; his son & daughter-in-law, Michael & Rebecca Bridges of Jonesboro; his grandson, Skyler Schreiber of Cheyenne, Wyoming; his granddaughter, Brianna of Jonesboro; three brothers & sisters-in-law, Jim & Shirley Bridges of Nashville, Tennessee; Winfred & Adelle Bridges of Jonesboro; and Darrell & Terri Bridges of Clarksville, Arkansas; two sisters & brothers-in-law, Lagena & Charles Powell of Birmingham, Alabama; Jane & Marshall Border of Jonesboro; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives & friends. Sam's family will receive visitors at Heath Funeral Home in Paragould, Wednesday, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. The memorial service will be Thursday at 10:00 AM in the Heath Colonial Chapel with Rev. Winfred Bridges, Rev. Darrell Bridges, Rev. Jim Keith and Mike Bridges officiating. Burial will follow at Monette, Arkansas Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Nick Carter, Randy Floyd, Donald Gage, John Jarrett, Roger Poteet and Charles Powell. Honorary pallbearers will be Marshall Border, Scott Foley and Felix Tate. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Witt House (food ministries) of FUMC Paragould, Disabled American Veterans, American Heart Association or the instrumental music program of Westside School District in Jonesboro. Sign online guestbook at www.heathfuneralhome.com.