NORMAN (JACK) RAY BRIDWELL

I've written a few things in my life, however, this is a first.  On Sunday, August 5th, 2018, our daddy left this life and went to be with his Lord.  His name is Norman Bridwell, you, however, know him as "Jack" and he was 69 years old, he was born March 19th, 1949 and his rebirth was August 13, 1982.  He and our Mother, Linda Bridwell, were married for 49 years. Mom and dad have two sons, Chris Bridwell and myself, my name is Scott. Daddy has eight other siblings.  Minnie Thomas of Athens, Ruby "Irene" Dennis of Athens, Opal Bright of Athens, Edith Shephard of Athens, Barney and his wife Marie Bredwell of Athens, Bertie and her husband Jerry Edwards of Etowah, Susie "Patricia" and her husband Donnie Melton of Athens and June and her husband Cleo Jenkins of Georgia.  They were preceded in death by his parents, Barney and Elvira Bridwell. I am not even going attempt to list the nieces and nephews and other extended family members. I'm actually not sure the paper is big enough for that.

Dad was born in Meigs County and graduated McMinn County High School.  He and Mom have eight grandchildren. Kaylea and her husband Angelo Fanony and Levi Bridwell from Washington, those are Rebeccalynn Winitzky’s and myself.  Chris and his wife Brandi were a bit more ambitious in the kid department. Together they share six children, yeah, like the Brady Bunch, six children. They are Dakota, Zac, and Kathy Bridwell from Athens and their mother is Amy Martin Miller of Athens. Brandi’s contribution to the family is Megan, Rachel and Lily Murray from Athens.  Mom and Dad also have two precious fur babies, Casper and Leah. I probably should have listed them first paragraph, huh Chris?

Daddy retired from M&M Mars and since then has been devoting much of his time to various forms of missions and service both here locally and in the Pacific Northwest.  To say he had a heart for mission work is really an understatement. Growing up our vacations consisted of Camp Cherokee, youth conferences in Florida, Gatlinburg, and Michigan. He had a big heart for people, he was that guy that would pick up a stranger and give them a ride, even if he wasn't going that way.  He never really met a stranger and would just strike up a conversation with pretty much anyone. One of his loves in life was traveling, no map just hey, let's see what is down this road. He left behind a great legacy and that is evidenced by all of the phone calls, messages and visits we have been getting, oh and did I mention food...yeah there is a lot of food here.  On behalf of my family, I want to thank you for your love.

I will be doing the funeral services and several of our family and friends will be assisting in music, songs and as pallbearers.  The receiving of friends and funeral services will be at Ziegler Funeral home Wednesday evening on August 8th, 2018 from 6 to 8pm and graveside will be at Walnut Grove cemetery the following day.  The funeral procession will leave Ziegler funeral home at 11am.

Mom did ask that instead of sending flowers, she would really appreciate you making a donation to Camp Cherokee.  You can contact the McMinn Meigs Baptist Association to do that.  Oh, and yes dad, I fed the cows.