Luther Ernest Bridgers Jr.

ROCKY MOUNT - Beloved husband, father, and brother, Luther Ernest Bridgers, Jr. of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday afternoon, October 17, 2017, at Wake Medical Center. He was predeceased by his parents, Luther Ernest Bridgers, Sr. and Pauline Sloan Thomas Bridgers, and an infant son. Ernest Bridgers will be remembered for his sense of loyalty, community spirit, and patriotism. As a boy, Ernie committed to Boy Scouts in Troop 11, eventually earning the esteemed Eagle Scout Badge. Later he showed his loyalty through his active membership in Proteus, the Boy Scout fraternity. While attending Rocky Mount Senior High, Ernest shared his athleticism and school spirit as a defensive end on the varsity football team. A 1961 graduate, Ernest kept the Blackbird spirit alive by bringing together fifty years of RMSH classes for a reunion which he organized and threw in his inimitably welcoming, fun-loving, gregarious fashion. After high school, Ernest served in Vietnam where he was a First Lieutenant with the Army as an Airborne Ranger Forward Observer. His dedication and courage during his service gained him several honors. While in the Army, Ernest received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star Medal with a “V” for acts of valor in combat, and the Oak Leaf Cluster. His proudest decoration, however, was his Combat Infantryman Badge indicating his service alongside his fellow soldiers. Later, Ernest was named a distinguished member of the 502D Infantry Regiment, an honor that he had not expected, but that he treasured immensely. He remained close to his military friends all of his life, meeting many of them at Arlington National Cemetery for ceremonies in remembrance of their fallen friends and officers. His experiences in the Army and the bonds he shared with his military family made indelible impressions on him, increasing his devotion to country and family and his determination to celebrate each day. After his years in service, Ernest completed his degree in business administration at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill in 1969 and returned to his hometown. Ernest loved Rocky Mount for its railroad tracks, its warm and wonderful people, its Friday night high school football games, its Tar River and Snake Island, and its colorful history. As a young man he worked for Planters National Bank and eventually he, along with Chet Mottershead and several other people, formed Tri-County Industries. Later, Ernest entered the real estate market as a realtor with the late Mickey Dawson. He handled the building of Hardee's restaurants for Franchise Enterprises throughout the South, and, later, the development of building projects in Nags Head for Pioneer Bank. Always a doting father, Ernest played an active role in the Northern Nash Senior High Booster Club. There, his proudest achievement was heading a fundraiser through which he compiled and edited a cookbook entitled Real Cooking by Real Men. Because of Ernest's efforts, many Rocky Mount citizens, national celebrities, professional athletes, and government officials contributed recipes to the book making it a common household name in Rocky Mount and a huge success for the NNSHBC. A dedicated civil servant, Ernest served two terms on the Rocky Mount City Council under the tutelage of Mayor Fred Turnage and City Manager Bill Batchelor. He served as the Mayor Pro Tem during his last term in office and often joked that he lost the position due to "illness" - as his constituents were "sick of him." Later, and due to a passion for assisting others, Ernest saw a need for affordable housing in his beloved hometown of Rocky Mount. With his engineering background and construction knowledge, he became a home builder. He spent the remainder of his life as a contractor and, then, land developer as President of Signature Communities. He was an active member in the Rocky Mount Home Builders Association in which he served as the president. He was also a finalist in the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce 2005 NEER Entrepreneur of the Year Award. By retirement, Ernest had developed building projects throughout eastern North Carolina, spanning from the Rocky Mount area to as far as the Outer Banks. Ernest shared a familiarity and joviality with loved ones and his community that cannot be captured in a list of accomplishments. His powerful personality invigorated everyone around him. His joy permeated everything that he did, and his festive attitude was contagious. He could rally all to join in the fun, take themselves less seriously, and live in the moment. Perhaps the event that captures his spirit most occurred at the Nags Head St. Patrick's Day parade years ago when Ernest persuaded eighteen friends and neighbors to join him, as the "Grand Poobah," and enter the parade together as the "South Nags Head Marching Kazoo Band and Beach Chair Drill Team." His hilarious and creative entry won “Best of Parade” that year. For years following, the Poobah returned, growing his crew to include over 100 neighbors and reclaiming the title ten times. Ernest influenced all around him with his exuberance and spirit, but none so much as his family. His presence among his wife and his daughters brought a sense of excitement and adventure, an assurance of a firm foundation in love and trust, and a certainty about the values he held dear. Through his devotion to family, Ernest taught his children how to parent with candor, positivity, and grace. His legacy survives as they follow his example with their own children. Ernest is survived by his wife of forty-eight years, Marie Pearson Bridgers, as well as his loving daughters, Paige Bridgers Alford and Anna Sloane Misenheimer, and their respective husbands, Matt and Todd, of Raleigh. His surviving grandchildren include Lily and Luke Alford and Grayden, Ashley, Benjamin and Harrison Misenheimer. He is also survived by his brother Robert and his wife, Gail, of Wilmington, as well as his brother Lonnie Thomas and his wife, Betty of Sanford. Many nieces and nephews will also miss Ernies entertaining stories and jokes that kept family gatherings lively. A Celebration of Ernest's Life will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, with Dr. Jody Wright officiating. Following the Service, the family invites you to a Reception at The Main Course, at Belmont, 201 Belmont Club Way, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. For those persons not able to attend the reception, the family will be available for a brief time to greet you in the Sugg Foyer of the Kinchloe Building. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or in support of their many community-based programs or the local animal shelter in your own community. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Belmont Lake Preserve Clubhouse 201 Belmont Club Way Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Saturday 10/21, 2:30 pm Service Lakeside Baptist Church 1501 Sunset Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-446-0126 --> | Saturday 10/21, 1:00 pm