Robert Grant Bridgman of Waynesville, age 97, passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at the Laurels at Summit Ridge.
A native of Gassville, Arkansas, he was a son of the late Frank E. and Lola Carlock Bridgman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Sue Ann Bridgman, who died in 2013; son, Matthew Bridgman; sister, Jacqueline Dykes; and two brothers James Howard and Maurice Bridgman. Robert proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church. Robert graduated from Western Carolina University and taught carpentry and technical drafting in Haywood County Schools and Asheville City Schools. He retired from teaching. He then enjoyed retirement for several days before taking a job in hotel maintenance until the age of 80, at the Comfort Inn in Maggie Valley where a flagpole was erected in his honor. He was a hard worker, talented carpenter, artist and woodcarver and loved people and telling stories.
Robert is survived by a daughter, Christa Bridgman, of Swannanoa; two sons, Gary Bridgman and his wife Marta, of Monson, Massachusetts and Terry Bridgman, of Denver, Colorado; sister, Carolyn Motsinger, of Charlotte; one grandson, Christopher Bridgman, of Swannanoa; and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of choice in Robert’s name and thank a soldier for their service.
The family would like to thank the staff of The Laurels for their care and compassion.
The care of Mr. Bridgman has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.
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