William Hayes Bridges

WILLIAM HAYES BRIDGES, 80, of Little Rock, Ark., went to be with his Savior Jesus Christ on March 24, 2017. Bill was born in Batesville, Ark., on July 10, 1936. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and a friend to many, many people. Bill was a retired Veteran of the United States Air Force, with close to 30 years of dedicated service to our great country. After retirement, Bill was director of the Arkansas State Veterans Affairs for Widows and Survivors office. Bill loved to watch the ponies run at Oaklawn and would help others understand his successful methods for picking the winners. Bill also loved baseball and coached/managed American Legion baseball for many years, giving young men an understanding of the game and helping them to grow into manhood with more tools for success. He loved Golf and was very competitive. Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Oleta Johnson, and his younger brother, Ray Bridges. Bill is survived by his loving wife Shirley; sister Linda Johnson in Houston, Texas; sons Gregg Burks, Ronnie Burks and Scotty Bridges. Bill also had a wonderful and loving daughter, Lori Drake; precious niece Denise Johnson Vaught; six Grandchildren; and many, many Great Grandchildren. A special thanks to son Gregg Burks, whom has taken care of Bill and Shirley for the past 10 years. He has been a selfless caregiver and arranged many doctor's appointments, emergency room calls, nursing home visits, and at Bill's bedside in hospice. Also a special thanks to Bill's daughter Lori Drake, who was a comfort and source of faith to everyone through the many years of failing health. Heaven has gained another Hero… My Hero… My Dad. We will see you soon Daddy… Scott Bridges. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, March 30, 2017 in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th Street, Little Rock (501) 661-9111, with the Rev. Dr. Christoph Keller, III officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.