Monroe Lee Bridges, 76, of 4310 Cherokee Avenue, Gaffney, SC, passed away Sunday, December 6, 2020, in his home.

Monroe was born in Cherokee County, SC on June 1, 1944 and was a son of the late Alex Bridges, Sr. and the late Julia Ruth Ruderson Bridges. He was the husband of Betty Rodgers Bridges, whom he was united in holy matrimony with 55 years ago on February 27, 1965.   

He was a 1963 graduate of Granard High School. While a student at Granard, he was an outstanding student and a skillful football player. After graduating from Spartanburg Technical College, he worked at a few jobs. He retired after 33 years of employment with The Timken Co where he was a supply room manager. 

Monroe was saved at an early age and was a faithful member of the Concord Baptist Church where he formerly served as a member of the choir, Sunday School, and as a Boy Scout Leader. He was a talented singer who sung with The Southland Troubadours, The Bridges Family, and other groups in the past. 

An avid outdoorsman, he was a great hunter and fisherman. He loved sports. His cooking skills were unmatched. A man with a heart of gold, he was a humanitarian and a comedian always willing to lend a helping hand or make you laugh.  His presence, laughter, and love are already greatly missed.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by siblings, Alex Bridges, Jr., Allie Bridges, Sr., and Ruby Shook; and a brothers-in-law, Clinton Rodgers, Sr. (Vinnie) and Charles Brown, Sr.

He leaves to cherish loving memories:  his wife, Betty Bridges of the home; 3 sons, Ronald Bridges (Lora) of Gaffney, Rev. Dr. Michael A. Bridges (Denise) of Spartanburg, and Isaac Bridges (Amanda) of Gaffney; two sisters, Mary Bridges Brown and Willie Ruth Gatewood (Willie “Jam-Up” Tate), both of Gaffney; brothers-in-law, Leo Rodgers (Rosa Lee) of Nashville, TN, Thomas Rodgers (Helen) of Gaffney, and James Rodgers (Fannie) of Dallas, TX; sisters-in-law, Mary Littlejohn (Samuel) of Columbia, SC, Annie Linder of Austin, TX, and Dorothy Petty (Robert), both of Gaffney; 13 grandchildren, Sentell, Dion, Antwan, Micaela, John Michael, Justin (Chelsey), Isaac, Jr., Ikee, Isaiah, Gabby, Iszay, Brandon and Ivory; great-grandchildren, Alayah Sky, Isaac Monroe, III, Cermarr and Jo’Noah; sisters-in-law, Pastor Lizzie Bridges and Willie Pearl Bridges, both of Gaffney; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Public Viewing will be held Friday, 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.

A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, 1:00 p.m., in Frederick Memorial Gardens with his son, Rev. Dr. Michael A. Bridges, officiating. At the request of the family, please limit visitation at the home to between the hours of 2pm and 5pm daily. Please adhere to the recommended CDC guidelines for COVID-19 precautions by wearing a mask and social distancing.

For those desiring to view the service virtually, it will be streamed on the Concord Baptist Church website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel!