Obituary of Bill Bridger

Bill Bridger, 85, Roanoke, VA passed suddenly on Thursday evening, December 18, 2014, in his home. Mr. Bridger was born in Jonesboro, AR, on April 17, 1929. He and Hettie Alice (Brust) Bridger were married for 67 years. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Annie May (Griffin) and Robert H. Bridger and brothers, Jack and Ray. Mr. Bridger's work history began as a thirteen year old, taking wagonloads of cotton to the cotton gin in Jonesboro, AR, with a team of his daddy's horses. He eventually made his way to Missouri, hiring out for the Wabash Railroad in Moberly, MO, as a fireman on steam locomotives, then on to the Norfolk & Western Rwy where he was a Division Superintendent and retired as System - Gen. Road Foreman of Engines with the Norfolk Southern. Mr. Bridger was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge in Jonesboro, AR. He & Hettie are members of the Cave Springs United Methodist Church. With his vivid memory, he was a great storyteller and could still recite poems & quotes from his childhood years. Bill & Hettie Bridger have four children: Barbara Bridger of Charlestown, IN; Brenda Willingham of St. Louis, MO; James Bridger, New Orleans, LA; and Darin Bridger and his wife Tami of Roanoke, VA. Six grandchildren: Sondra Crowe and Denise Gentry, Indiana; Patricia Berry-Parrillo and husband Andrew, Florida; Bradley Bridger, Roanoke; Tara Willingham Patterson and husband Scott, St. Louis, and Shannon Willingham and fiancé Kristin Minx, St. Louis. Also, a number of great grandchildren survive. A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life will be held 10:00am Monday December 22, 2014 in Simpson Funeral Home with Pastor Walter Wood officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Friends may send their condolences to the family by visiting www.simpsonfuneral.com. Arrangements handled by Simpson Funeral Home and Crematory, 540 366 0707.