Crawford Claude Bridges, Jr. age 96 of Ellenboro died Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Hospice House in Forest City.  He was born on June 26, 1929, in Rowan County, North Carolina and was the son of the late Crawford Claude Bridges, Sr. and Minnie Lee Butler Bridges. 

Crawford worked as a Supervisor for PPG Industries where he retired after 34 years’ service. He was a lifelong Baptist, and he was a United States Army Veteran serving as a Military Policeman. 

He had a true passion for horses and for many years raised horses as well as trail riding and hunting.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Vivian Evans Bridges of the home, his sons, Danny Bruce Bridges and wife Pam of Williamsburg, Virginia, and Michael Ray Bridges of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also has three grandchildren, Meghan Little and husband Ben, Christian Bridges and wife Haley, and Maya Bridges, as well as, great-grandchildren, Rosalee and Eowyn Little and Blake and Oaklee Bridges.

The funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 in The Padgett and King Chapel with the Reverend Stephen Bright officiating.  Interment will follow at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends following the service in the chapel prior to going to the cemetery.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com