Billy Joe Bridges

SHELBY: Billy Joe Bridges, a kind, devoted, and faithful man, passed away peacefully at home on December 7, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on April 21, 1935, at home in Lattimore, North Carolina, Billy Joe lived a life characterized by love, integrity, and service to others.
Billy Joe graduated from Lattimore High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of North Carolina in Charlotte and a Master of Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University. He worked as a Lab Foreman at Celanese (Fiber Industries) for most of his career, where his diligence and leadership left a lasting impression.

From a young age, Billy Joe developed a strong work ethic, helping his uncle deliver milk for the C.A. McSwain Dairy. This early sense of responsibility became a cornerstone of his character and something he instilled in his children.

In 1953, Billy Joe married Lavonne Hamrick, with whom he had three children: Joey, Susie, and Jeremy. They created a loving home and provided a happy childhood for them.Later in life, he married Melba Creswell Bridges in 1999, and together they shared 25 years of love, joy, and companionship. When his health declined, Melba cared for him with unparalleled devotion and tenderness, a testament to their deep bond.

A lifelong member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church, Billy Joe was a man of unwavering faith. He served as a Deacon, Finance Committee Chairman, Church Moderator and Church Historian. He and Melba were Sunday School Directors and they participated in the Good News Club for 8 years. They also participated in several mission trips, reflecting their commitment to serving others both near and far.
Billy Joe will be remembered for his soft-spoken, mild-mannered nature and his thoughtfulness toward others. His family was the center of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them, always longing to be close to those he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Tency McSwain Bridges; Brother, Bobby Bridges; Grandson, Matthew Bridges; and other cherished loved ones who remain alive in memory.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Melba Creswell Bridges; Former Wife and Mother of his children, Lavonne Hamrick Powell; Children, Susie and Herb Eplee, Joey and Kay Bridges, and Jeremy and Kelly Bridge; Stepchildren, April and J.L. Williams, Dwayne Creswell, Reca and Bobby Tyner, Kimberly and Robbie Hollifield, and Chad and Tracy Creswell; Sisters, Jewell Hipps and Lynn Thomas; Brother, James and Carolyn Bridges; Grandchildren, Kristin and Jared Barthel, Kari and Matt Bailey, Ryan and Emily Bridges, Emma Bridges, Caden Bridges, Jessica and Tony Martin, Justin and Aymie Williams, Kiersten Creswell, Bard and Erin Tyner, Charlie and Allison Tyner, Blake and Adrienne Hollifield, Blair and Tucker Whisnant, Brook Hollifield Hicks, and Mikayla Creswell; Great-grandchildren, Adrienne, Adeline and Grant Barthel, Lincoln, Capri and Maisy Bailey, Kyndall Bridges, Blake and Grey Bridges, RJ Martin, Jaden, Addyson and Ayzlee Williams, Landon Creswell, Cole, Hunter and Hadley Tyner, Miles and Banks Hollifield, and Warren and Conrad Whisnant.

A celebration of Billy Joe’s life will be held at Beaver Dam Baptist Church on Friday, December 13th at 2:00 PM with visitation beginning after the service in Sorrells Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Beaver Dam Baptist Church Men on Mission or Via Health Partners formerly Hospice of Cleveland County, in his memory. Billy Joe Bridges leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and hard work. His gentle spirit, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to his family and faith will forever be remembered by those who were blessed to know him. Though deeply missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.


Aquamation services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center.
www.claybarnette.com