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Wilfred Bridges was born July 28, 1944 to the late Jessie and Henrietta Gutter Bridges in Ruth, Mississippi (Lawrence County). Wilfred accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mount Zion Baptist Church in McComb, Mississippi. During the early years of his life Wilfred, his mother, and brothers; Clifton (Big Pete) Alexander and Jessie Jr. would move to New Orleans, Louisiana to begin a new chapter of their lives. Wilfred was educated in the Orleans Parish School System and played baseball and other sports. In the early 1960s, Wilfred, his mother, and brothers would then move to Los Angeles, California where he briefly worked for the city of Los Angeles. After working for the city for a short time, Wilfred joined Jobs Corp which afforded him the opportunity to travel to Missouri and Arkansas. In September of 1969, Wilfred joined the United States Army at Ft. Sam Houston, Tx at the U.S. Army Medical Training Center for Advanced Individual Training. M.O.S 91 A10. Wilfred's military service would have him stationed throughout the U.S. and Europe, with duty stations at; Fort Sam Houston Texas, Landstuhl Germany, Fort Riley Kansas, Kaiserslautern Germany, Fort Polk Louisiana, Fort Irwin California, and his last duty assignment back at Fort Sam Houston Texas, where he was the NCOIC of the medical clinic at Camp Bull and the Emergency Room at the Original Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). Wilfred retired from the United States Army in 1991 after a 20-year career. It was in the summer of 1961, while singing in the choir at Church, he caught the glimpse of a light skinned beauty named Judy Wise, whom he courted for 10 years until marriage on July 28, 1971, in a little country church in Paris, Arkansas. On that day, Wilfred and Judy married, and became Forever Soulmates. This union would bear fruit to Five children; Linda Lou (Bird Bird), Wilfred Lee Jr, Henry Andrew, Abrah Maurice and Tomica Lynn. In 1985, while in San Antonio, Wilfred, Judy, and Family were invited by Sister Amelia Collins and Debbie Yhap to attend service at St. Stephen’s Baptist Church. After feeling excited about the worship service, they made St. Stephen’s Baptist Church their home and served as faithful members. He enjoyed attending church and bible study until he was no longer able due to his health. While growing up, Wilfred looked up to, and loved his older brothers. The three, known as the “Bridges Boys,” and their cousins from McComb, were a tight and tough group of men. Wilfred was an avid sports fan who coached his son’s baseball team and others in youth sports. He instilled in them the value of hard work, determination, and commitment, which he demonstrated through his dedication to his children. Wilfred was fondly called “Spider” and “Uncle Milky Way.” He made lifetime friends in neighbors of Albert and Mary Gonzales, The St. Stephen’s Brotherhood, and Golden Age Ministry. Wilfred had great pride and joy for his Grandchildren who were always willing to help him in any way possible. After many illnesses and extensive care from his daughter-in-law Rita and his grandchildren, and after a courageous four-day battle in the MICU, on December 25, 2023, the heaven’s gates opened and Wilfred entered eternal rest. Wilfred was preceded in death by his Wife of 46 years Judy Marie Bridges, his Parents; Jessie Bridges Sr. and Henrietta Gutter Bridges Smith, Maternal Grandparents; Moriah Gutter and Henry Bridges, Brothers; Clifton (Pete) Alexander, and Jesse Bridges, Sister-in-Law; Ben Evelyn Alexander, Brother-in-laws; Elvert Wise (Brenda), Arthur Holsey Wise, David and Alvin Wise, Douglas Wise (Rubye) and Hardy Wise (Kim ), and Niece; Linell Bridges. Wilfred leaves to cherish his memories, his loving daughter Linda Lou Bridges, Sons; Wilfred Lee Bridges Jr. (Rita Marie), Henry Andrew Bridges (Lakeshia), and Abrah Maurice Bridges (Michelle). Grandchildren, Dominique Lee Bridges, Raymod Andrew Bridges, Alizah Leigh Bridges, Kaleigh Marie Bridges, Jeremiah Anthony Bridges, Xavier Andres Rodriguez, Humberto Anastacio Rodriguez, Amelia Lynn Rodriguez, Ximena Lynn Rodriguez, Aubrey Skye Bridges, and Andrew Maurice Bridges, and Great Grandson, Ermias Wilfred Bridges. Sister-in-law, Ardella Bridges of New Orleans, Nephews; Kevin Alexander Sr. and Jesse Bridges, Nieces; Helen Bridges-Sandifer, Michell Bridges-Lofton, Sonja Alexander, DeeVonda Wise, and a host of other nephews, nieces, cousins, family, and friends.

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Wilfred Bridges

July 28, 1944 - December 25, 2023