Richard Bridges

Obituaries

Thursday, 24 June 2021 05:10

Fire Control Technician Third Class Richard Dale Bridges, 81, born on Tuesday, October 17, 1939, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at his home on Thursday, June 10, 2021. Graveside services were held on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Pinehaven Memorial Gardens.
Dale was a decorated veteran who served in the United States Navy and spent another four years in the reserves. He was born in Birmingham to Chester and Irene Bridges. When he was 17, Dale decided to join the Navy and served on the U.S.S Waldron and U.S.S. DuPont in the Persian Gulf, Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic. While on leave, he met the love of his life, Irene Bridges, and they married in 1961 after his honorable discharge from the Navy. After serving, Dale worked for Pete Wilson Sheetmetal before his 36-year career with the TVA, taking them first to Paducah, Kentucky and then to Scottsboro where they made their home and raised three boys. He retired from TVA as the Supervisor Substation Maintenance at the Scottsboro district.
When he wasn’t working, Dale had a passion for bowling. He was proud of bowling the first 290 game at Dixie Bowl and his 11 in a Row award. He served as the Northeast Alabama Bowling Association secretary for almost three decades. Throughout the years, he mentored and coached hundreds of youth in bowling. In March 2017, he was inducted into the Northeast Alabama Bowling Association Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Irene; sons, Gary, Shaun, Christopher; grandchildren, Pamela Chalsea, Jeffrey, Maresa, Fallon, Christian Matthew, Richard Colton; step-grandchild, Jade; great-grandchildren, Trinity, Kenzi, John; sister-in-law, Kathy Bridges; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, James, Chester; sister, Margaret Mason.