Louie A. Bridges, Sr.

Louie Anthony Bridges, Sr., 82, of Macon, Georgia, passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Hart’s at the Cupola. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be private at Riverside Cemetery.

Son of the late Elmo Franklin Bridges, Sr. and Vera Virginia Peacock Bridges, Louie was born in Hawkinsville, Georgia on October 16, 1942. Louie honorably served in the US Air Force and subsequently worked in electronics at Robins AFB until he retired in 1994.

Louie met Thelma, his beautiful bride of almost 60 years, in Altus, Oklahoma. She had recently moved there to work as a second grade teacher, and he was stationed at Altus Air Force Base. The principal of her small school set them up on a double date, and the rest, as they say, is history. They shared a love of camping, traveling, Mexican dominoes, and of course, each other.

In his youth, Louie played multiple sports, and as an adult was an avid runner and cyclist who enjoyed competing with friends and family in local road races and biking events.

In 1991, Louie and his family were involved in a tragic car accident that forever changed the course of their lives. Whether this painful experience was more refining or revealing we may never know, but what is crystal clear is that the last half of his life was almost solely devoted to others. He retired early and became Thelma’s primary caregiver; he was involved in numerous outreach ministries in Macon; he continued his role as deacon and Sunday school teacher at Cherokee Heights Baptist, now New Heights, and he threw himself with gusto into ministering to that congregation. Whether in his family or his community, if he saw a need, he sought to meet it.

Louie deeply adored his five precious grandchildren and never missed a ballgame, performance, recital, or awards ceremony if it was within his power to be there. If you’d met him once, you’d be prepared to teach a masterclass on all their many exploits and achievements.

While he may not have been immersed in fine culture, he genuinely loved gospel music, architecture, and art. Louie’s favorite painting was Rembrandt’s The Prodigal Son . For him, it was a testament to God's unconditional and steadfast love.

With his passing, Louie leaves behind a priceless legacy. In the words of his grandson, “His was a story of how tragedy - met with unwavering courage and sacrifice - grew generations of kindness.”

In addition to his parents, Louie was preceded in death by his brothers, Elmo Franklin "Butch" Bridges, Jr., and Mike Bridges, Sr.

Louie is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Thelma Holman Bridges of Macon; daughter, Natalie Pyles (Brad) of Macon; son, Louie Anthony Bridges, Jr. of Naples, Florida; nephew, Michael Bridges; niece, Michelle Bridges; grandchildren, Anna Bridges, Lydia Bridges, Madelyn Maugeri (Francis), Jackson Pyles, and Sarah Pyles.

The family extends their appreciation and gratitude to caregivers Ashley, LaKeisah, Frances, and Heartland Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Heights Church, 158 Lamar Rd., Macon, GA 31220.

Please register at www.hartsmort.com to express your condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, Macon, Georgia 31210, has charge of the arrangements.

New Heights Church
158 Lamar Rd., Macon GA 31220
Tel: 1-478-757-2240