Michael S. Bridger

Michael S. Bridger, 71, of Millington, Tennessee, died September 30 at Laurelwood Healthcare in Jackson, Tennessee after a short illness.

Michael was born October 16, 1947 in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Rex and Marion Berry Bridger. He graduated from Nettleton High School in 1965 and attended Arkansas State University before joining the United States Navy. He served in the US, Spain, the Philippines and Vietnam. In his role as Chief Gunners Mate, he served aboard several US Navy craft in both the Pacific and Atlantic. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer in 1996 after 30 years of service to his country. After retirement from the military he purchased a home in Millington, Tennessee where he has lived since 1990. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.

Michael is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Judy and Jim Furr of Las Cruces, New Mexico. He is also survived by three nephews Nick of California, Neil or Florida and Nate of Tennessee. His great nephews are Austin and Grant of Florida, Tylar of Utah and his only niece Reilly from Tennessee. Also, surviving him are many friends and neighbors in Millington and his beloved “Anna” who now lives at the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents William and Mary McEwen Bridger and Henry and Sybil Hickey Berry. His great-grandfather was Chief L. D. Hickey, founder of the Jonesboro Fire Department who became the longest serving Chief after 22 years of service.

Graveside funeral services with military honors will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2019, in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Patty Soward officiating. There will be no visitation. Emerson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The family has requested no flowers; rather donations to the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society or Wounded Warriors are appreciated.