Mr. Stuart Bridges, 76, of Elberton Road, Carlton, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025.
Affectionately known as Butch, he was born in Elberton on June 10, 1949, and lived in the Enterprise Community of Oglethorpe County all of his life. He was a 1967 graduate of Oglethorpe County High School, and served his country honorably with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam era.
Upon return from service, Butch worked at Westinghouse until 1987. He then became a full-time farmer and devoted himself to the family farm and as his mother’s caretaker, faithfully caring for her until her death at the age of 100.
He also provided care for his uncle, Fred Wheless. Stuart was a lifelong member of Bethany Baptist Church, where he was active as a deacon, as a choir member and as a member of various committees.
He was a selfless individual, always putting the needs of others before himself. Butch was a friend to all and was always willing to extend a helping hand — whether it was taking someone to a doctor’s appointment or simply helping them up the church steps. He never met a stranger and always had a smile on his face.
Stuart is preceded in death by his parents, Fred Eugene Bridges and Edna Louise Wheless Bridges; and brothers: Eugene Bridges and his wife Ethel, and Dennis Bridges.
Surviving are his sister, Frances White and her husband Charles of Danielsville; sister-in-law, Cathy Bridges of Bogart; nieces and nephew: Wanda Compton and her husband Chris of Lexington, Chuck White and his wife Stacey of Birmingham, Alabama, and Christy Coile and her husband Chris of Colbert; great-nieces and great-nephews: Alex Compton and his wife Jill, Zach Compton, Caitlyn White, Matthew White, Rachel White, Cody Coile and his wife Chandler, and Clayton Coile; great-great-niece, Charlotte Compton; and a host of other relatives and friends.
The family received friends from 2-2:45 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4 at Bethany Baptist Church, Lexington. Funeral services, officiated by the Rev. Jeff Seymour, followed at 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Military honors were rendered by the U.S. Marine Corps. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Contributions may be made in his memory to Bethany Baptist Church, P.O. Box 450, Lexington, GA 30648.
Those wishing, may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.
Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton was respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Stuart “Butch” Bridges.