Robert Bridges

Robert Bridges went home on August 4, 2025. He was born in Buncombe County, NC, to Charles Glenn and Drucilla McGee Bridges in 1946.

Robert lived in Arden and Cullowhee, NC; Murfreesboro, TN; and Falls Church, VA, where he graduated from J.B. Stuart High School in 1964. He returned to Cullowhee to attend Western Carolina University, attaining a BS in Elementary Education, an MA in Counseling, and an Educational Specialist degree. It was in Western Carolina that he met the love of his life, Norma, and they were married in 1968. Following graduation, they moved to Hendersonville, NC.

They were blessed with one deeply loved son, Michael, whom Robert was so proud of. Michael’s sweet wife is Beth, and their two lovely daughters are Bella and Gabriella. Also surviving Robert is his sister, Jean Bridges Hendrix of Buncombe County; nieces, Sandy Austin (Jim), and Kelly O’Brien (John); numerous great-nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Glenn and Drucilla Bridges; brothers-in-law, Jack Hendrix and Clyde Overman; great-niece, Darby O’Brien; and, most recently, his sweet sister, Bette Bridges Overman.

Robert spent most of his career in the Henderson County Public School System, teaching at Dana Elementary and Rugby Middle School, serving as Counselor and Assistant Principal of Flat Rock Middle School, and as a Guidance Counselor at East Henderson High School. He also worked for Vocational Rehab. Robert has served on the Henderson County Board of Education since 2020. He volunteered for several years with Four Seasons Hospice at the Elizabeth House. He belonged to the family of God and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, serving in many capacities.

A Memorial Service will be held at First Baptist Church of Hendersonville on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM with visitation preceding the service at 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are asked to be made to the Darby O’Brien Charity Foundation, c/o Wells Fargo Bank, John T. O’Brien, III (Account #1867163865 for personal or cashier’s checks or money orders) or Zelle: John O’Brien 847-714-6402, john.obrien@a-dec.com (please see that a check made out to the Darby O’Brien Charity Foundation reaches Norma Bridges). In addition, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, 312 5th Ave. West, Hendersonville, NC 28739 or to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28731. Shuler Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.