Donald Bridges

Donald William Bridges went home to be with the Father on August 23, 2021. He was born February 17, 1946 in Sanford, Florida to Esther and John Bridges. He attended Fletcher High School and was drafted into the Army, serving in Korea. Donald was a multi-talented man, he worked at Mayport Navy Base, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, and St. Johns County Mosquito control. He was the owner with his father-in-law, Flavian Mickler of Valley Enterprises for 17 years. He then was a truck driver for 6 years finally retiring from the City of Neptune Beach after 22 years. He was a hard-working husband for his family.

He loved working in his shop, repairing any and everything, making things with wood and tending to his chickens. But his passion after he retired was learning how to graft fruit trees and experimenting with growing all kinds of plants and trees. He loved the Lord Jesus Christ, had a dry sense of humor, loved and enjoyed his children and grandchildren. If you knew Donald and Debby you knew they were inseparable.

Donald is survived by Debby, the Love of his life for 53 years; five children, Rebecca(Vince), Matthew(Genon), Marcus(Lisa), Lucas(Angie), John Cass (Chelsea); eleven grandchildren, Ted(Shawna), Aaron(Avegail), Lindsey(Daniel), Cameron, Ashley, Haley(Bryan), Emilee, Caleb, Tyler, Mason, Caden (plus little William due any day); one great-grandchild, Everett. In addition, his brothers, Ivey(Gail), Fred(Judy), Bob(Jane), George(Linda), sister Linda(Rusty); predeceased by sisters Leila Mae, Ginny, and a brother John. Many nieces and nephews, especially Penni Schock(Jim) whom he was like a father to, sisters-in-law Vicky Mickler and Cathy Steward(Stephan).

A Celebration of His Life will be held at Crosswater Community Church, 211 Davis Park Road, Nocatee, 4 p.m., Thursday, September 2, 2021. A memorial donation to Crosswater Christian Academy can be made to Donald Bridges Memorial Fund: https://www.kindridgiving.com/app/giving/kindrid-fu6m88h