TITLE: In memory of Preston Ray Bridges.

SUMMARY: In memory of Preston Ray Bridges.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the passing of Preston Ray Bridges of Quitman on November 21, 2018, at the age of 80; and WHEREAS, The son of H. L. and Annice Bridges, Preston Bridges was born in Forest Hill on September 8, 1938; his mother died when he was five months old, and his siblings, J. C., Clarence, Les, Aline, Minnie Lee, Louise, and Marie, helped raise their younger brother on the family farm; learning the value of hard work from his father, he graduated from Quitman High School in 1957 and attended Paris Junior College and Arlington State University; and WHEREAS, Mr. Bridges wed Barbara Medlin on October 31, 1958, and the couple shared a rewarding marriage of 60 years; they became the proud parents of a son, Rocky, and their treasured family later grew to include two grandsons, Colby and Kyle; and WHEREAS, Answering his nation's call to duty, Mr. Bridges joined the United States Army in 1961; he was deployed to Bad Kreuznach, Germany, and assigned to the adjutant general's office, and he eventually received the Army Commendation Medal; and WHEREAS, Returning to the United States in 1964, Mr. Bridges embarked on a career with Texas Instruments that would span two decades; in 1973, he and his family moved to Quitman, where he went on to serve as executive vice president of Wood County National Bank and to retire following a 19-year tenure; engaged in his community, Mr. Bridges was active with the Quitman Youth Foundation, and he was a member of the Quitman Independent School District Board of Trustees; he also held leadership roles with the Quitman Chamber of Commerce, the Wood County Farm Bureau, and the Wood County Junior Livestock Show, and he served his congregation as a deacon at Faith Baptist Church; and WHEREAS, Although Preston Bridges is deeply missed, memories of his devotion to his family, his faith, and his community remain to comfort and inspire those he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Preston Ray Bridges and extend sincere sympathy to his loved ones; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Preston Ray Bridges. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 7, 2019, by a rising vote.