CARROLL RAY "ROCKY" BRIDGES, 76, of Chester, Illinois, passed away on at 2:55 am, Thursday, October 23, 2014 at his residence in Chester, Illinois. Rocky was born to Leslie and Thelma (nee Bramley) Bridges on April 7, 1938 in DuQuoin, Illinois. He married Ina L. King on September 3, 1960 in Dowell, Illinois; she survives. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Chester, Illinois. Rocky was an outstanding athlete in high school and known particularly for his baseball accomplishments throughout southern Illinois. He was widely recognized for his numerous achievements at DuQuoin High School in addition to playing for the DuQuoin Lions and Merchants. After high school he continued his baseball career at SIU where he was the team's most valuable player and all-conference selection. At one time Rocky was the career and single season record holder for doubles at SIU. He was drafted by the Houston Astros to play professional baseball but chose family over a professional baseball career. Rocky devoted 33 years to education including 6 years at Woodlawn High School in Woodlawn, Illinois as a teacher and coach. Through hard work and discipline, fashioned after Rocky's personality, his Woodlawn teams were extremely successful not only in baseball but basketball as well. After his time at Woodlawn, Rocky devoted 25 years to Chester High School as a physical education teacher, coach, and athletic director. He was widely recognized as one of the top athletic directors in southern Illinois by the Egyptian Coaches Association and also the Southern Illinois Coaches Association where he was presented with an Emeritus Coach Award in 2000. Rocky retired from Chester High School to become a full-time charter bus driver for Eggemeyer Bus Service. With his outgoing personality Rocky was a favorite among many groups traveling from southern Illinois to destinations across the country. Rocky was an avid hunter. In his early years, he loved to hunt quail and duck. Later in life, he became an avid deer hunter but also loved to hunt pheasants, doves, and raccoons with his family and friends. He liked to fish as well and could be seen golfing throughout southern Illinois with his Monday golfing buddies. He loved to farm and haul hay bales. Just to be in the outdoors was his passion. Rocky was known for his character, integrity, discipline, and professionalism which separated him from most and into the special person that he was known to be. He will be missed in the Chester community and throughout southern Illinois for the respected and outstanding person that he was known to be. Survivors: Wife: Ina Bridges Chester, IL Mother: Thelma Bridges Chester, IL 2 Children: Scott (Julie) Bridges Murphysboro, IL Lee Ann (Bill) Spiller Willisville, IL 6 Grandchildren: Leslie Bridges, Candice Kennedy, Christopher Schwartz, Jason Schwartz, Westley Spiller and Andy (Natalie) Spiller 1 Great Grandchild: Amelia Spiller Brother-in-law& Sister-in-law Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends Preceded in death by: Father- Leslie Bridges Funeral Service: 11:00 am, Saturday, October 25, 2014 Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, Illinois Officiating: Rev. Charles Allen Visitation: Friday - 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm Saturday - 7:30 am - 11:00 am Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, Illinois Interment: Sunset Memorial Park DuQuoin, Illinois Memorials: Rocky Bridges Memorial Athletic Scholarship Campus Outreach Ministry
