Mr. Charles Edward Bridges, age 65, of Ellijay, GA went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday March 23, 2016.

Mr. Bridges was born February 26, 1951 in Robbinsville, NC, to the late Rev. Hoyle Bridges and Helen Norris Bridges. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frank Bridges, Billy Bridges and Jimmy Bridges.

Charles moved to Gilmer County, where he worked many years as a heavy equipment operator for Sumner Brothers Construction and had recently retired from Georgia Marble Company. He attended the Oak Hill Independent Church, where previously served as a member of the Building Committee and Board of Director’s.  He enjoyed hunting and his grandchildren.

Survivors Include: his wife, Lillian Sanford Bridges, of the home; son and daughter in-law, Calvin and Becky Bridges, of Robbinsville, NC; step-daughters and spouses, April and Chris Harper, of Ellijay, GA, Dr. Vickie and Dale Reed, of Chatsworth, GA, Charlene Vick, of Chatsworth, GA, Charlotte Poteet, of Chatsworth, GA; brothers, Ray Bridges, of King Mtn., NC, Larry Bridges, of Greer, SC, Jerry Bridges, of Wisconsin, Leonard Bridges, of Robbinsville, NC, Clifford Bridges, of Robbinsville, NC; sisters, Nancy Davis, of Jacksonville, FL, Katrina Worley, of Spartanburg, SC, Mary Lou Stroup, of Easley, SC, Ruth Fitts, of Greer, SC; grandchildren, Emily Bridges, Emily Powell, Riley Powell, Carley Bernhardt, Rachel Bernhardt,Jacob Bernhardt, Miranda Reed, Tori Ash, Dr. Nicholas Reed, Chad Poteet, Summer Franklin, Amy Williams, 1 great grandchild, Owen Bernhardt and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Memorial Services will be held Friday March 25th at 7pm from the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Edward Ledford and Rev. Daniel Stewart officiating. Music will be by Diane DeHart and Harold Sanford. Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Harper, Jacob Bernhardt, Stuart Lane, Brian Byrd, Dale Reed, Dale Lingle, Barry Queen, Jim Sumner, Dr. Nicholas Reed, Chad Poteet, Donald DeHart, David Elliot, David Fricks, Joe Jarrett, Eric Ledford, Travis Ash, Ernie Stover, Wally Stover, Shane Grant, and Billy Parker.

The family will receive friends Friday March 25th from 5pm until 7pm at the funeral home.

Bernhardt Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.