Alford Cumming Bridges

 Alford Cumming Bridges passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family Thursday, August 4, 2022.

Born September 10, 1938, to the late R.T. and Sophia Bridges and was raised in Wilkinson County, McIntyre, GA. He served in the U.S. Army including graduating from Officer Training School at Fort Sill, OK during the Cuban Crisis.

Mr. Bridges attended Mercer University and obtained a degree in mathematics and began his work career at Stevens Pottery following graduation. In 1969, Mr. Bridges organized Gateway Development and constructed the Gateway Center in Gray, including operation of a Red & White grocery. Mr. Bridges obtained a real estate license in connection with his real estate development business and served on the Home Federal Savings and Loan Board of Directors. In 1976, Mr. Bridges acquired Appling Brothers and grew the company into a well-respected and successful grading contractor throughout Middle Georgia. Mr. Bridges was also a founding shareholder and Chairman of the Board of Security National Bank. He served on the Gray City Council and Middle Georgia Regional Commission for over 20 years where he worked to advance development in local communities. Mr. Bridges was particularly committed to Gray and Jones County and developed multiple residential and commercial properties.

Mr. Bridges lived his life according to a personal philosophy of “it’s not how much we get, but rather how much we give that determines the quality of life we live”. Family roots were important to Mr. Bridges, and he remained a faithful supporter of McIntyre Baptist Church. In addition, he was dedicated to First Baptist Church of Gray where he served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and Treasurer for a period spanning more than 50 years, all as part of his ministry and love of God. Mr. Bridges gave of his time and energy and led by his personal commitment to the construction and development of a prayer room accessible to all persons of the church and community, a church fellowship hall, a new sanctuary and worship center and the renovation of the former sanctuary.

Mr. Bridges supported many community activities and gave of himself to others; however, he will be remembered by his family for his love. He especially loved Christmas and July 4th. His love of family meals and family time, reminiscing about times past and his hope for the future were an inspiration to all.

Mr. Bridges loved traveling with his wife Janelle and friends.  During their travels they visited almost every state in the union and five continents.  His favorite vacation was spending time at their beach home reading a book and enjoying great seafood with family.

Survivors include children Darrell (Kim) Bridges; Sherri (Ronnie) Rollins; grandchildren Daniel (Megan) Bridges, Chandler (Meagan) Brooks, Taylor (Kristina) Bridges, Allie (Bradley) Hunnicutt, and Bridger Rollins; great-grandchildren Ford Bridges, Boone Bridges, Raelynn Brooks, Callee Brooks, Emma Pobst and Olivia Bridges; sister-in-law Fay Bridges, Marilyn (Clark) Sauls and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Al was blessed with several care angels including Peggy Clemon, Tamika Cobb, Michelle Dumas, Renee Hardman, Robert and Cynthia Howard, Kenadi Redding, Candy Roberson, Andrea Ross, and Shae Whitlock.

Funeral Services will be held Sunday, August 7, 2022, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Gray. Burial will follow at Highview Cemetery. The family will have a time of visitation from 4:00PM until 6:00PM Saturday, August 6, 2022, at First Baptist Church of Gray.  The family may be contacted at 199 Atlanta Rd, Gray, GA 31032.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First Baptist Church of Gray Building Fund, 134 West Clinton Street, Gray, Georgia 31032 or The Sycamore Church, 2031 Grove Point Road, Savannah, Georgia 31419 or McIntyre Baptist Church, Post Office Box 147, McIntyre, GA 31054.

 Hart’s Jones County Chapel, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 307 Pecan Lane, Gray, GA 31032 has charge of the arrangements.

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