Samuel Bridges, 72

Mr. Samuel Bridges, 72, of Ellenboro, died Thursday, October 1, 2020 at Hospice of The Carolina Foothills.
He was the son of the late Clain and Luna Padgett Bridges. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 sons, Justin Harrill Bridges, and Samuel Kyle Bridges; a brother, Jerry Fay Bridges; his grandparents, Rev. Charlie H. Padgett, Lucinda Davis Padgett, Amos M. Bridges, and Laura Ann Bridges. Samuel was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He was a US Army veteran of the Vietnam war, where he earned the National Defense Service Medal; a Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze stars; a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; a Combat Infantryman Badge; a Good Conduct Medal; a Bronze Star Medal; an Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; an Air Medal and Sharpshooter honor. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Angela Butler Bridges; his daughter, Tressa Nicole Bridges(Andy) of Bostic; his brothers, James Ray Bridges(Yvonne), and Morris Joseph Bridges, all of Ellenboro; a sister-in-law, Joyce Bridges; his grandchildren, C.J. Bailey(Brooke), Madison Bailey, Alisha Bridges(Colton), Katelyn Bridges, Victoria Spencer, Isaiah Hunt, Logan Bridges, Kenzi Bridges, and Bella Bridges; his great grandchildren, Blake Bailey, Carter Bailey, Easton Van Dyke, and Alaina Hammond; his special friends, Tom Helton and Joey Morrow; and his fur babies Arty and Gwinny.
A Memorial Service will be conducted at 3:00 pm Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Washburn & Dorsey Funeral Home. The Rev. Michael Sepaugh will officiate and Heath Bridges will provide a Eulogy. Following the service, the Rutherford County Honor Guard will provide Military Rites on the funeral home grounds.
The Visitation will be from 1:30 pm until 2:45 pm Saturday at the funeral home prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to Heart of The Foothills Animal Rescue, 380 US 221 N Hwy, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.
Online condolences @www.washburndorsey.com.