Mr. Richard Dale Bridges' Obituary
Fire Control Technician Third Class Richard Dale Bridges, 81, died peacefully surrounded by family at his home on June 10, 2021. Dale was a decorated veteran who served in the United States Navy and spent another four years in the reserves.
Dale was born on October 17, 1939 in Birmingham, Alabama to his parents Chester Arthur and Ora Dove Bridges. When he was just 17, Dale decided he wanted to join the Navy and served on the USS Waldron and USS DuPont in the Persian Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. While on leave, he met and fell for the love of his life Irene Powell Bridges, who he married in 1961 after his honorable discharge from the Navy.
After serving, Dale worked for Pete Wilson Sheetmetal in Birmingham, Alabama, before his 36 year career with the Tennessee Valley Authority. TVA took them first to Paducah, Kentucky, and then to Scottsboro, Alabama 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 in Scottsboro and his ‘11 in a Row’ award. He served as the Northeast Alabama Bowling Association secretary for almost 3 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.
Dale was predeceased by his parents, Chester Arthur and Ora Dove Bridges, his brothers James and Chester, and his sister Margaret Sue Mason. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Irene Powell Bridges, sons Gary, Shaun, and Christopher, grandchildren Pamela Chalsea, Jeffrey, Maresa, Fallon, Christian Matthew, Richard Colton, step-grandchild Jade, and great-grandchildren Trinity Grace, Kenzi Vogue, and John Michael, sister-in-law Kathy Bridges, and many nieces and nephews.
The family requests that flowers be sent to Rudder Funeral Home or please make a donation in his memory to your local JROTC program, VFW, or your Ronald McDonald House. Arrangements are with Rudder Funeral Homes in Scottsboro, Alabama. The family invites friends to visit on Tuesday, June 15 between 5-7 pm. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, June 16 at 10 am at Pine Haven Memorial Gardens
Online condolences may be made at www.rudderfuneralhomes.com
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